Japan 'vagina artist' arrest sparks debate

[theHandpuppet]

I have to say that having seen the photo of the kayak, I thought it was very clever and her aim to take the vagina out of the realm of obscene is most interesting. What do y'all think?

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28323015
BBC News Asia
16 July 2014
Japan 'vagina artist' arrest sparks debate

The arrest on obscenity allegations of a woman who makes art based on her vagina has sparked debate in Japan.

Tokyo-based artist Megumi Igarashi, 42, was arrested on Saturday for sending data that could be used to create 3D models of her vagina.

She had sent it to people who had donated money for a project to make a vagina-shaped kayak using a 3D printer...

...A police spokesman told AFP news agency she had distributed data that could "create an obscene shape"....

MORE at link posted above.

[niyad]

1. they must have had hysterics over "the dinner party"

I am reminded of an art opening in SF years ago--a woman used condoms as the basis for her art. she was picketed by a bunch of wingnuts for "murdering babies"

[SamKnause]

2. Does Japan's annual

Penis Festival "create an obscene shape" ???

[shaayecanaan]

4. They have the vagina festival in Ogata as well

Section 175 of the Japanese Criminal Code has traditionally been interpreted as banning the display of images of the penis and vagina - its why Japan has so much pixelated porn. The traditional festivals get away with it, but lots of porn shops have ditched their urabon (unpixelated porn) because of several high-profile prosecutions recently.

[redqueen]

3. I like her but goddamn do I wish people would stop calling vulvas vaginas.

Vulva vulva vulva! It is a perfectly lovely word and it is the right word to use so come on editors... stop reinforcing ignorance!

[theHandpuppet]

5. Very good point, redqueen

I wonder how the word "vagina" came to such misuse?