Jonathan Grossmalerman reflects on artistic focus and public reception of explicit genitalia paintings

In November 2013, artist Jonathan Grossmalerman expressed anxiety about the public potentially tiring of his large-scale paintings depicting vaginas, sometimes with penises. He questioned whether to intensify or reduce sexual content in his work, noting past experiments like giant plush foam vagina sculptures that were well-received. Grossmalerman referenced a show at PS1 where wall text intended to clarify the art as distinct from pornography may have backfired. He pondered emulating Giorgio Morandi's approach to form and color, considering if his vibrant hues contributed to a 'party vibe' misaligned with everyday genitalia. The artist also debated the inclusion of penises, fearing it muddled his primary focus on vaginas. Grossmalerman described his distress while at his summer house in Amagansett, awaiting dinner guests.