The Wall

Please read the description of project “The Wall,” and sign up to participate if interested.

What:

A photo installation art project featuring 100 close-up images of male genitals. NONE of the photos will show the faces of the participants. They only feature the genital area in close-up. The identity of the participants is strictly confidential, and photo files will only be labeled with numbers. Throughout our lifetime, the artist is prohibited from revealing any details of the individual photoshoots with others that could identify the participants. 

The 100 images will be printed on poster-sized papers and displayed next to each other in the gallery space. From the ceiling to the walls and to the floor, everywhere people look is covered with images of penises.

Why: 

To challenge and question gender politics and masculinity within the American culture. This photo installation project confronts the “penis myth” which describes the phenomenon that most guys rarely see each other nude, so the only way to reference normality is through pornography — and needless to say, it has been terribly misleading. While it is common for girls to communicate feelings and private things to each other, we, as guys, have this wall that prevents us from getting to know ourselves and other guys. What do I do with a myth? Research the heck out of it! The process of collecting 100 images of penises, as well as the 100 unique stories and personalities that come with them, is not only educational, but also a form of confirmation and spiritual expedition. 

While most people I know have been supportive of this project, I am positive that some guys would feel extremely uncomfortable seeing the show — and that is the whole point of this project — it provokes the conversation about “why do you feel the way you do” and "why do some people get mad or embarrassed from merely seeing a human organ?” What masculinity entails and what seeing other penises mean to men, especially to straight men, are interesting questions to contemplate about. By making an installation project that requires this much crowdsourcing, we together are contributing to the cause of normalizing the human body.

The beauty of art is its power to open up conversations about taboos and pressing issues. An artist's job is to create a space where the audiences are encouraged to examine their own thought process to further the discussion about a subject. Discomfort is an inevitable step to confronting imperfections and creating change. As a former professor said to me when I was a timid freshman at art school: “Discomfort is good!”

How: 

Sign up using the form below, and I will contact you within 72 hours to have a chat. During our call, you are welcome to ask me any remaining questions you may have, and we will also get to know each other more. Please let me know your concerns and how I can make you feel more at ease. 

We will then figure out a time for the photoshoot. I can go to your residence or a private place you know of. The whole shoot will only take less than 30-45 minutes. When I arrive, we can chat more — such as your intentions for being a part of this project, stories about your relationship with your body, etc. When you are ready, we may begin the shoot. 

Artist’s Note:

This is one of the boldest projects I have done, but I have no doubt about finishing it beautifully and professionally as a social activist artist. Over the years, I have done many projects that involve nudity, and it is my job to make all participants feel comfortable. You can check out some of my previous works on this site.

Some of you might be intrigued but feel intimidated at the same time. To that, I would like to remind you that this show is not about the individual images, but about everything as a whole. The viewers would be busy reflecting on themselves and trying to adjust their own behavior at the show rather than focusing on a single photo. Again, everything about your participation is confidential, and I applaud you for taking such a courageous step with me toward positive change. 

It would be my pleasure to have you on board. Thank you so much!