Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Erotic Art

          I learned a lot at the World Erotic Art Museum. First, I gathered that the people behind the museum were just as special as the museum itself. Once you begin walking through, text introduces you to Magnus Hirschfield, a scientist, and Naomi Wilzig, a collector of erotic art (of course, the two have many other titles). 

          The museum exhibits the collection of Naomi Wilzig, who sought to encourage openness towards sex. Magnus Hirschfeld sought the same, and established the world's first sex history museum, Institut für Sexualwissenschaft (Institute of Sexology), which provided medical consultations, shelter, along with education that Hirschfeld contributed to greatly with his own studies and collection. I learned that on the 6th of May 1933, Nazis destroyed the place Magnus Hirschfeld began that helped many people. The museum is dedicated to both Naomi Wilzig and Magnus Hirschfield.

          Then, turning a corner, I was surprised by a big sculpture. It was a cock! This was a room devoted to gay art, and I was living for the fact that this cock was placed right in the center of the wall.

          Beside this cock was a book of Tom of Finland art, that was very full and especially delicious. Having seen this book, I was inspired to watch the 2018 movie about his life that takes his nickname. The movie is absolutely beautiful and I fully recommend everyone watch it. I am also very inspired to pick up a book of his.

          Furthermore, there were other artists I learned of that day. They include Peter Keresztury, Spencer Tunick (a photographer), Frank Follmer (1914-1951), who worked for Disney, Richard Etts, and Tomi Ungerer.

          I was so fortunate and lucky to go. I am glad I went with my Aunt, and that she was so accepting of the experience. My visit is surely one I will remember.












The handshake 2