There was, there is and always will be a link between art and human sexuality. Art is inspired by human passions and people are fascinated by art. Thus, we created erotic art. Up until quite recently, the term seemed to describe an idealised, unrealistic, graphic depiction of sex and the human body. Eventhough, millennials are often accused for lack of interest, there is an increasing number of current artist who want to discard stereotypes, and produce “real” images, stripping them from any glamourising elements and address issues like diversity, gender equality and self-acceptance. With social media as their main tool, this new generation of artists is having those discussions online.
We looked through accounts on instagram and found 5 accounts that have something interesting to say when it comes to erotica and art.
This account comments on instagram’s policy concerning nudity. “Men are allowed to show their nipples, women’s get banned. Support ALL genders!” is written on the accounts bio description. In order to overturn this discriminatory policy, they post close-up photos of nipples without specifying their gender. The pictures are submitted by users who want to be part of this effort. On the same war path as the #freethenipple movement, this account demands gender equality in the digital age.
Illustrator Meredith White attempts to shift beauty standards and break down the taboos around vaginas. Even though, women’s breasts and butts are often shown in movies to enhance the eroticism of a scene, the vagina, every woman’s epicenter of erotic satisfaction, is never shown on screen as it would be vulgar. White wants to point out the need to strip human genitalia of any preconsumtions and disconnect them from immorality. The content of a art piece doesn’t derive by the nudity in it but by the perseption of each individual viewer. She also rejects women’s societal pressure to remove their body hair.
We are not all the same and that is a good thing Hilde Atalanta seems to point out through her account. She comments on diversity through a series of sketches portraying vulvas in different colors, shapes and sizes, as a metaphorical reflection of society. “We have to educate the public, and show them the need for diversity” states Hilde.
Often in erotica there is plethora of vivid, graphic elements through colours, shapes and facial expressions of the subjects and are often placed within fetish-fantasy scenarios. This account looks at erotic art in a different way. Minimalistic, linear sketches of ordinary couples in everyday sexual encounters. They become immediately appealing through their honesty and simplicity.
The tattoo artists coming from the city of Light have a loyal fan base thanks to their characteristically drawn designs. Black and white drawings, infused with a few elements of pop art, that are discreet but clearly erotic.
