Besides the implicit shock factor in an image of a toothed vagina, the photograph raises the question of how we approach female genitalia, whether toothed or not. It remits us to the myth of toothed vaginas that’s present not only in ancient mythologies around the world, but also in popular culture, in movies such as Teeth (2007) and in Neil Gaiman’s American Gods. The image depicts a vulva from which two sharp fangs emerge in a vampire-like fashion. Serrano gives his own take on this controversial topic in a compelling yet shocking photograph titled The Interpretation of Dreams (Vagina dentata -Toothed vagina). Yes, female genitalia, a natural part of the body, is still the source of controversy, censorship, awe, and, believe it or not, fear and disgust. So, it should come as no surprise that for one of his many works he explored a topic that for centuries has both fascinated and horrified society: the vagina. From photographing the dead in a morgue to submerging a Christ in urine, Andrés Serrano’s career has inspired many debates and discussions because of the way he dares to explore and question taboo topics.
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