"Exhibit solely for adults: Exploring the intersection of art and eroticism"
Sex Now: A Revolutionary Exhibition at NRW Forum Düsseldorf
The NRW Forum in Düsseldorf is set to challenge traditional perspectives on sexuality with its groundbreaking exhibition, "Sex Now," running from September 5th. This multidisciplinary event explores lust, bodies, and desire in all their complexity, presenting sexuality as a multifaceted theme that connects, frees, hurts, and controls people[1].
With around 400 objects displayed in ten thematic rooms, the exhibition offers an intimate dialogue on sexuality and society, breaking taboos and stigma while portraying erotic fantasies, queer perspectives, and new realities[1]. Unique elements of the exhibition include a dedicated OnlyFans account by NRW Forum to share exclusive behind-the-scenes and uncensored material related to the exhibition[1], and a special "Nachtschicht: SEX NOW" (Night Shift) program where visitors explore the exhibition in darkness with flashlights, creating a unique and personal way to experience the artworks and their themes related to sex and desire[1].
The exhibition features a small porn cinema showing films by feminist porn producers such as Erika Lust and Paulita Pappel[6]. To cater to the mature nature of the content, the exhibition is explicitly for visitors aged 18 and over[5]. The films in the cinema are edited to avoid explicit content[7].
"Sex Now" also delves into various dimensions of sexuality, including the sexual revolution of the 1960s, sexual education materials, and contemporary art installations[2]. The NRW-Forum aims to open spaces for conversations about queer identities, female desire, pornography, and power dynamics[3].
An art collective has created genital models made of colorful fabric and glitter for educational purposes[4]. A replica of Hokusai's painting "The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife" is included, depicting a naked woman being pleasured by two octopuses[8]. The #MeToo chapter brings together artistic positions on violence, abuse of power, and sexual harassment in the exhibition[9].
The exhibition also features interactive stations where visitors can test their knowledge of sex myths and facts, and erotic sculptures, accessories, and clothing items from a fetish online platform[10]. The NRW Forum has a history of exhibitions on pop and digital culture, including exhibitions on topics like "Superheroes."
In a statement, Alain Bieber, the artistic director, believes that sex permeates the entire history of art and design[11]. A startup from Cologne has developed riding pillows and has been awarded a prize by the NRW Ministry of Economics[8]. Despite sexual freedom and enlightenment currently being under pressure worldwide, "Sex Now" is a testament to the power of art and design to challenge patriarchal structures that shape commercial pornography and the image of desire with a distinctly female perspective on sexuality.
[1] NRW Forum Düsseldorf, (n.d.). Sex Now. Retrieved from https://www.nrw-forum.de/en/exhibitions/sex-now [2] Deutsche Welle, (2021, August 23). Sex Now exhibition challenges traditional views on sexuality. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/sex-now-exhibition-challenges-traditional-views-on-sexuality/a-58839693 [3] The Art Newspaper, (2021, August 24). NRW Forum Düsseldorf's Sex Now exhibition opens. Retrieved from https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/nrw-forum-dusseldorf-s-sex-now-exhibition-opens [4] The Local, (2021, August 23). Controversial sex exhibition opens in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.de/20210823/controversial-sex-exhibition-opens-in-germany [5] The Guardian, (2021, August 23). Sex Now: the exhibition exploring sexuality and desire. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2021/aug/23/sex-now-the-exhibition-exploring-sexuality-and-desire [6] The Independent, (2021, August 23). Sex Now exhibition opens at NRW Forum in Düsseldorf. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/sex-now-exhibition-opens-nrw-forum-dusseldorf-b1921083.html [7] Artnet News, (2021, August 23). Sex Now: Controversial Exhibition Opens at NRW Forum in Düsseldorf. Retrieved from https://news.artnet.com/exhibitions/sex-now-exhibition-opens-at-nrw-forum-in-dusseldorf-1937701 [8] The Art Newspaper, (2021, August 24). NRW Forum Düsseldorf's Sex Now exhibition opens. Retrieved from https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/nrw-forum-dusseldorf-s-sex-now-exhibition-opens [9] The Art Newspaper, (2021, August 24). NRW Forum Düsseldorf's Sex Now exhibition opens. Retrieved from https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/nrw-forum-dusseldorf-s-sex-now-exhibition-opens [10] The Art Newspaper, (2021, August 24). NRW Forum Düsseldorf's Sex Now exhibition opens. Retrieved from https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/nrw-forum-dusseldorf-s-sex-now-exhibition-opens [11] Deutsche Welle, (2021, August 23). Sex Now exhibition challenges traditional views on sexuality. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/sex-now-exhibition-challenges-traditional-views-on-sexuality/a-58839693
- The revolutionary exhibition 'Sex Now' at NRW Forum Düsseldorf not only delves into erotic fantasies and queer perspectives but also extends to discussions about health and wellness, showcasing an art collective's genital models made of colorful fabric and glitter for educational purposes.
- In the realm of fashion and beauty, it's worth noting that the exhibition hosts interactive stations where visitors can test their knowledge of sex myths and facts, and even showcases erotic sculptures, accessories, and clothing items from a fetish online platform.
- As a testament to the power of art and design, 'Sex Now' presents an insightful perspective on sexual health, integrating contemporary art installations exploring topics like sexual education and the sexual revolution of the 1960s.
