Sexual photography is an art form that celebrates a broad range of sexuality. Recently, the fine art publishing company Aperture published a book of Donna Ferrato’s photos.
The collection of images celebrates broad sexuality without apology. While the book’s subject matter is often overtly sex-related, Ferrato’s work isn’t primarily about sex.
Love & Lust is a celebration of a broad and diverse sexuality
Love and lust are two words that define the sexuality of two people. These two words are used in many ways. Some use it to refer to the act of sex, while others use it to describe their sexual preferences or their eroticism. Sexuality encompasses many ideas and is expressed in many ways, from our thoughts and beliefs to our behaviors and roles.
It is not a sex book
In 1991, Madonna, then a 20-year-old singer, had the idea of publishing a book of erotic photographs. After she had discussed it with her agent, she flew to Los Angeles to approach photographer Judith Regan. The two agreed to collaborate on the book. In March 1991, Regan presented Madonna with a proposal for a photo-erotica book.
The images in Photo Sex range from intense bondage to playful caresses. The photographs in the book cross race and gender boundaries. They are evocative and provocative and encourage viewers to contemplate sex in new ways. The images in Photo Sex are not intended to be explicit, but instead invite viewers to think about sexuality from a new perspective.
It is not a homoerotica book
Sexual photography is a rich source for understanding sexuality and the role it plays in contemporary society. Yet many historians have neglected its significance in gay social history. This book builds on recent work on gay erotica to show that erotic art is not only a significant component of gay history but also a driving force in the gay imaginary. It also shows that gay men have continued to take photographs of objects of desire and sexual practices for a variety of reasons, including their developing identities and a willingness to engage in open activism.
It celebrates a market in homoerotica
A new exhibit at MOCA, Los Angeles, honors the works of two deceased masters of erotic art: Touko Laaksonen and Bob Mizer. Both artists were key figures in the development of post-war gay culture. Laaksonen – also known as ‘Tom of Finland’ – was a Finnish artist who died in 1991.