Art And Sex Collide at BOXeight Studios
Much more genius is needed to make love than to command armies.
-Ninon De L’Enclon
It's interesting, the way that art and sex intertwine. Sometimes people are forceful, moving the paint or the subject in a powerful way, bending to their will. Sometimes it progresses softly, the details appearing slowly, revealing themselves as they are needed. And the armies of the world would have no chance against the forces in a small downtown loft on this night, as there were arrows in the air, paint brushes on the ground, and even some people getting whipped.
My favorite part,” said Michelle Rave, from Body Love Cocktails, “was witnessing the red-haired, eight-months-pregnant woman tie up her husband and whip him.
Michelle was a favorite of ours, as she talked about her array of products and let us all feel her legs. Some more than others (I’m looking at you, Smash), and as we talked, all sorts of things happened around us. People cried out from the sting of a whip, an artist painted doorways and canvases which had some sort of lesbian theme between them, and outside, a man spun flames around.
This was Art Undressed, a celebration of eroticism in art, music, fashion and entertainment, held at BOXeight Studios in Downtown Los Angeles. Over 350 pieces from 140 artists were on display in the space, hosted by the very talented Peter Gurnz. His photography lined the walls, illuminated from behind and lighting up synapses and pathways in the minds of all who passed by.
We drank shots poured down icy genitalia, wandered through each room and chose favorites (I believe Duke’s involved a spur diving towards a woman’s bits - a bit of a sadist, that DuRock). My girlfriend liked a picture of a naked woman diving in to water from high atop a jagged cliff. Apparently, the story goes that beneath the waves there was buried treasure, and while you’re looking for treasure, you might as well bring along a naked girl. It’s a win-win.
The picture now hangs in our family room, beckoning all who visit to stay and sin awhile. It’s signed by Peter himself, and will always remind us of the temptations and the talent that made up Art Undressed.
I’ll always choose erotic art over still-life paintings of fruit bowls or people milling around in gardens. There’s an edge to it, some kind of raw power to be harnessed or at the very least, chased. It’s often gaudy though, or too pornographic, or tacky, or dim. The dime-store novel dimmed down for the mall crowd.
To contrast, the Art Undressed material, like the publication you’re reading, is spun in a new direction. Erotic art done correctly. Powerful and stunning.
To the maximus.
