The "Sex in Design/Design in Sex" exhibit, which showcases everything from aesthetic pleasure objects to art, fashion and household items, opened Jan. 31 at the Museum of Sex in New York.
Curator Sarah Jacobs tells AVN Novelty Business the exhibit was inspired by a trend in which a sex toy's aesthetic value is just as important as its functionality.
"I've been noticing a trend in the increase in products coming out that are focused on the design of the look of the product," she says. "People are recognizing that sexually related objects can be based on their aesthetic value instead of just being designed for the novelty aspect."
Among the pleasure objects featured in the exhibit are the Fleshlight by Interactive Life Forms, items from Fun Factory, the Yva from LELO, the Onye from Big Teaze Toys, the Pvibe Jewel and Ben Durrell's Unisex Toy.
Tony Levine, president of Big Teaze Toys, tells ANB that being included in the exhibit reaffirms that his company's products resonate with consumers.
"We just keep designing great stuff, and people show their love," he says. "Sarah Jacobs contacted us at the end of November, and we are very honored to be included in this exclusive list of products on display at the Museum of Sex."
However, Jacobs says the exhibit isn't just about pleasure objects.
"The exhibition is really talking about the intersection between sex and design," she says. "It's everything from overt things, such as toys, all the way to regular items, such as a decoration, a candle holder or a plate. We're showing the full spectrum of sex in design. Pieces were chosen through research I conducted and pieces I found."
The exhibit also showcases garments and accessories made to enhance the wearer's sexual appeal. The "Decorating the Body" portion of the exhibit includes Betony Vernon's Petting Ring, Candypants from Cosmorotics Inc. and a modern-day merkin-or pubic-hair piece.
The exhibit highlights various incarnations of the merkin, which dates back to the 17th century, and includes a contemporary design by J Maskrey, who contributed a merkin that is made of crystals and beads, and plays on the idea of sensual teasing.
The "Decorating the Body" portion of the exhibit also examines technology, specifically focusing on imaging techniques and wireless communication devices designed as apparel.
The Hug
Shirt by Cute Circuit features embedded sensors that detect touch strength,
skin warmth and heart rate. Its actuators recreate the sensations of touch,
warmth and emotion of a hug.
Similarly, Aphrodite Project Platforms merge GPS tracking technology and video to promote awareness of the safety issues faced by sex workers, the Museum of Sex said in a news release.
"These shoes have an audible alarm system, which emits a piercing noise to scare off attackers, and come equipped with a built-in GPS receiver and an emergency button that relays the wearer's location and sends a silent alarm signal to public emergency services," the museum said.
The "Living With Sex" section of the exhibit showcases utilitarian objects for the home and features Liquorice Cherry by Paper Voyeur, The Copulator by Agustin Otegui Saiz, No One You Know Homewear by Belinda Johnstone, Make Love Not War sheets by Miss Geschick and Lady Lapsus, and The Lapjuicer by 3eyes.
"The Lapjuicer is a chair that allows the users to grind fruit until-just like any juicer-the grinding results in juice that can be offered to spectators," the museum said.
3 eyes, which previously only made two Lapjuicers, created a third specifically for the exhibit.
Designers also spotlighted in the exhibit include Myla London designer Karim Rashid, high-end toy designer Shiri Zinn and Rhett Butler of Kiki de Montparnasse, a sponsor of the exhibit.
Jamil Moen of Kiki de Montparnasse says that in addition to sponsoring the exhibit, the company is contributing erotic accessories that already have become classics, such as corset belts, and pieces from its upcoming line with E.R. Butler & Co.
"We were approached by MOSEX curators as the premier name representing the next level of innovation and beauty for intimate products," Moen says. "Our participation expresses an understanding of the vital cultural and artistic presence eroticism has and of its potential for aesthetic and economic value in the future."
"Sex in Design/Design in Sex" will continue through April.
Photo courtesy of KikiDM.com
