Mature Audience Aged 18+ - Exhibition exploring eroticism at the intersection of art and adult content - Adult Art Exhibition Ages 18 and Up: Borderline between Artistry and Pornography
The NRW-Forum in Düsseldorf, Germany, is set to host an intriguing and thought-provoking art exhibition titled "Sex Now", running from September 5, 2025, to May 3, 2026. This long-term show delves into the multifaceted nature of sexuality, addressing it as a connector, liberator, source of pain, and means of control in society.
The Artistic Exploration of Sexuality
The exhibition, under the artistic direction of Alain Bieber, presents a diverse range of artistic expressions, including works by 3D artist Miyō van Stenis, who developed a sex and love simulator in the virtual space. Other notable artists featured include Peaches, with her installation "Fleshie Fountain", and feminist porn producers like Erika Lust and Paulita Pappel.
The show also includes a small porn cinema, showcasing films edited to be less explicit. Alongside erotic sculptures and accessories, clothing items from a fetish online platform will be exhibited, showcasing worn socks or underwear with traces of bodily fluids.
Challenging Taboos and Societal Norms
"Sex Now" aims to challenge patriarchal structures that shape commercial pornography and the image of lust with a distinctly female perspective on sexuality. The exhibition addresses topics such as queer identities, female pleasure, pornography, and power dynamics, and it seeks to question sexual self-determination, what is desirable, and how technologies change our relationship and understanding of intimacy.
The exhibition also explores the #MeToo chapter, bringing together artistic positions on violence, abuse of power, and sexual harassment. It further delves into sexuality as a political topic, highlighting the current pressure on sexual freedom and enlightenment worldwide.
Navigating the Line Between Art and Porn
Given its provocative and controversial nature, the NRW-Forum consulted with the police and public prosecutor's office regarding some works in the exhibition. The line between art and porn was so delicate that it necessitated such consultation.
Interactive Stations and Digital Experiences
Visitors can engage with the exhibition through interactive stations, testing their knowledge of myths and facts about sex. A digital game with VR glasses allows visitors to assume different bodies, design their own gender characteristics, and engage in erotic relationships.
The NRW-Forum is also starting its own account on the erotic platform "Onlyfans" to share behind-the-scenes glimpses and uncensored works.
A Journey Through the History of Sex and Design
Bieber believes that sex permeates the entire history of art and design, and this exhibition is a testament to that belief. The exhibition aims to enlighten and provide knowledge to prevent misunderstandings, particularly among younger people, while also addressing the current debate over diversity programs and the display of rainbow flags in Germany.
Given the explicit nature of the content, the exhibition is suitable only for those aged 18 and above. Visitors are invited to embark on a journey through the complexities of sexuality, questioning societal norms and taboos, and gaining a deeper understanding of this integral part of human experience.
- Vocational training programs in various EC countries can benefit from incorporating lessons on the multifaceted nature of sexuality, drawing parallels with the exploration and interrogation of sexuality in the art exhibition "Sex Now".
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, it's crucial to educate individuals about sexual health, delving into topics such as queer identities, female pleasure, and power dynamics, as addressed in the exhibition "Sex Now" at the NRW-Forum.
- The vibrant fashion-and-beauty industry can learn from the experimentation with erotic sculptures and accessories exhibited in "Sex Now", as they explore the intersection of art, sexuality, and design.
- For cultural-travel enthusiasts, a visit to the NRW-Forum in Düsseldorf during the "Sex Now" exhibition would provide a unique insight into the evolution of sexuality and its portrayal in art throughout history, offering an intriguing perspective on the German lifestyle.
