Sex is all about fantasy, the forbidden, the new and non-routine. Just ask Larry Craig, Internet porn-surfers or anyone who’s ever cheated on their partner. Test out your own sexual boundaries at Modified Eros at Arena, a non-traditional art venue and BDSM play space in Soho. The show’s a photographic exploration of bodies modified with tattooing, piercing, corsetry and scarification. These “Suicide Girls” aren’t just posing; they’re exploring their inner kink. A stark beauty exists in the images, which include a man suspended by hooks piercing his epidermis, close-ups of women with bloody cuttings decorating their body, genital organs studded with rings and tattooed girls having fun together.
Feminist pornographer Audacia Ray curated the show and all the art from Modified Eros was culled from BellaVendetta.com and features artists Patrick Reardon, Brian Mackey and others. Bella Vendetta herself is a pro-dominatrix and fashion designer from Massachusetts who created the website where members post their own erotic scenarios—everything ranging from blood play to clown porn.
“It’s hard to get a gallery to show images like this because they don’t see body modification as an art form,” explains Vendetta. Her boyfriend’s in one of the pictures, too. “He’s got implanted silicone horns in his head.”
Many of the photos depict taboo activities enjoyed consensually. The bound woman in one pic looks like she’s had a rough night, but it’s her own fantasy she staged herself. When critics label such images “self-destructive,” Vendetta replies, “It’s more oppressive not to live out your fantasy.”
If you’d like to give “play piercing” a whirl (or should I say stab?), Arena is hosting a hands-on workshop with BDSM educator Lolita Wolf in the gallery on Wednesday, November 28 where you can learn all about the methods, tools and safety techniques. And during this week’s reception many of the models and photographers will attend—and are sure to be interesting characters.
Opening Nov. 9-Jan. 18, Arena Studios, 407 Broome St., Suite 7A (betw. Centre & Lafayette Sts), 212-889-1591; Reception 7-10, free.
Feminist pornographer Audacia Ray curated the show and all the art from Modified Eros was culled from BellaVendetta.com and features artists Patrick Reardon, Brian Mackey and others. Bella Vendetta herself is a pro-dominatrix and fashion designer from Massachusetts who created the website where members post their own erotic scenarios—everything ranging from blood play to clown porn.
“It’s hard to get a gallery to show images like this because they don’t see body modification as an art form,” explains Vendetta. Her boyfriend’s in one of the pictures, too. “He’s got implanted silicone horns in his head.”
Many of the photos depict taboo activities enjoyed consensually. The bound woman in one pic looks like she’s had a rough night, but it’s her own fantasy she staged herself. When critics label such images “self-destructive,” Vendetta replies, “It’s more oppressive not to live out your fantasy.”
If you’d like to give “play piercing” a whirl (or should I say stab?), Arena is hosting a hands-on workshop with BDSM educator Lolita Wolf in the gallery on Wednesday, November 28 where you can learn all about the methods, tools and safety techniques. And during this week’s reception many of the models and photographers will attend—and are sure to be interesting characters.
Opening Nov. 9-Jan. 18, Arena Studios, 407 Broome St., Suite 7A (betw. Centre & Lafayette Sts), 212-889-1591; Reception 7-10, free.
