Meet Bex Day

Meet Bex Day, a London-based photographer and director renowned for her work that challenges rigid beauty ideals and explores themes of gender, identity, diversity, and the freedom of choice.

Bex Day. "Foxglove" in PETAL. 2023.

In September 2023, Bex Day unveiled "PETAL," a groundbreaking series centered on the vulva, challenging entrenched societal norms and fostering a dialogue around body positivity and beauty standards, with a compelling exhibition at Have A Butchers alongside the release of her first photographic book.

Bex Day. "White Dahlia" in PETAL. 2023.

"PETAL" seeks to subvert the status quo and challenge patriarchal narratives surrounding genitalia. With fearless sincerity, she champions realistic representation, inviting audiences to take an up-close and personal look at the vulva's uniqueness and commonalities—affirming that each is worthy of celebration. The series, comprising over 70 images, showcases vulvas adorned to varying degrees with flowers or petals that hold special significance to each individual. Accompanied by narratives that detail personal stories of love, loss, pleasure, pain, survival, rebirth, and reclamation, "PETAL" demystifies the experience of owning a vulva in today's society.

Bex Day. "Centaurea Cyanus" in PETAL. 2023.

Through "PETAL," Bex Day advocates for a more inclusive understanding of beauty, presenting the vulva in its truest form, free from societal shame and embarrassment.

Bex Day. "Clematis" in PETAL. 2023.

In developing "PETAL," what inspired you to center the vulva, and how do you anticipate this series will influence the broader conversations around body positivity and evolving beauty norms?

There seemed to be a huge lack of awareness and understanding surrounding parts of the anatomy. I noticed that many people did not know the difference between the vulva and vagina. The stigma that surrounds the aesthetic of the vulva is rampant, particularly in media and porn. I wanted this project to highlight what is ultimately censored in mainstream media; larger labias, ginger pubes, long pubic hair, cysts, etc. I hope that PETAL will help people be more open to celebrating the uniqueness of the vulva rather than being spoon-fed archaic ideas of what is considered ‘the norm’.

Bex Day. "Zinnia" in PETAL. 2023.

"PETAL" progresses your exploration of identity and diversity. Could you elaborate on how this project confronts established patriarchal views and champions the distinctiveness of each individual?

The format of the book includes an image and then text, either poetry or prose, accompanying the subject's image. Due to the sensitive nature of discussing the vulva, it was essential to me that participants shared their personal experiences and any aspects they felt comfortable divulging, particularly within their personal journeys or in relation to media and porn. For some, this process served as a means to confront past traumas, while for many, it led to a newfound sense of confidence in their own beauty after allowing a stranger to photograph their intimate anatomy.

Having observed previous projects on the vulva, many of which tended to either overly sexualize or lacked empathy, particularly those led by male creators, I aimed to offer a different perspective. I sought to highlight the complexity of womanhood by juxtaposing images of beautiful vulvas adorned with flowers with accompanying narratives often delving into difficult experiences. Every aspect of the book was intended to reflect the authentic reality of living with a vulva in the modern era, flaws and all.

PETAL aims to demonstrate a compassionate and understanding perspective towards acknowledging the diversity of 'real' vulvas, encompassing a broad spectrum of individuals across various ages, races, genders, hair types, sizes, and shapes. This series encourages an inclusive dialogue surrounding the vulva and celebrates the uniqueness inherent in each of us. While discussing the vulva has often been uncomfortable, I aspire for this book and series to encourage us to step out of our comfort zones and engage in open, honest conversations about the challenges we face and the impact of pornography and media on our perceptions of our genitalia.

In "PETAL," how did you ensure that the portrayal of each subject was both true to their identity and in harmony with your artistic vision, especially considering the varied representations of the vulva?

Besides the written piece, it was very important that the subject chose a flower that was meaningful to them. We then worked collaboratively in terms of color blocking and styling; they would show me various pieces of clothing that they had available, and I would make the final decision on what matched the flower, lighting, and setting best.

Bex Day. "Protea" in PETAL. 2023.

How have your personal journey and prior engagements with themes of autonomy and diversity informed the visual and conceptual development of "PETAL"?

As my focus revolves around challenging societal norms and going against conventional beauty standards, PETAL felt like a natural evolution for my first photography book. My intention was to dismantle the taboos surrounding female genitalia. The series strives to unite individuals who identify as female and non-binary by highlighting the commonalities in their anatomy rather than fixating on perceived differences.

For far too long, colloquial terms for the vagina, such as 'pussy,' 'cunt,' and 'gash,' have carried negative connotations in the English language, often used as insults or symbols of weakness or passivity. From a young age, particularly among individuals socialized as females, children are encouraged to use euphemistic terms like 'flower' or 'foo-foo' to refer to their private parts, reinforcing a skewed perception of what constitutes a 'normal' vagina. This misconception is partly perpetuated by stereotypes in pornography and representations in mainstream media, as well as cultural censorship.

With "PETAL" delving into personal and societal perceptions of the vulva, what dialogues do you aim to provoke among your audience, and what shifts in perception do you hope to inspire?

To encourage beauty in every format, not just what is dictated by the patriarchy. To unify us in our differences.

The book, available for purchase, invites readers to explore this intimate journey through Day's lens, offering a profound narrative that intertwines the personal with the universal.