About

Welcome to BDSM Art Archive, a passion project born from over two decades of collecting BDSM-themed art and cultural artifacts. Since 2000, I’ve been captivated by the intricate interplay of power, desire, and creativity that defines this niche genre. In 2015 I started a collection on FetLife, here I share rare finds—from vintage illustrations and classic erotic texts to obscure ephemera—that celebrate the artistry and historical significance of BDSM aesthetics. There are also multiple niche blogs started by me.

Bdsm Art Archive is a curated gallery and a journey through time, exploring how artists and writers have expressed themes of dominance, submission, and sensuality across eras. Whether it’s the provocative elegance of 1920s French erotica, the bold strokes of mid-century illustrators, or the subversive charm of underground comics, each piece tells a story of human connection and creative expression. My collection reflects a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and cultural context behind these works, offering a space for enthusiasts, collectors, and curious minds to discover and reflect.

Expect posts that highlight rare artworks, delve into the history of BDSM in art and media, and offer thoughtful commentary on the evolution of this genre. This is not just a collection—it’s a celebration of the beauty, complexity, and enduring allure of BDSM-inspired art. For mature audiences seeking insight and inspiration, BDSM Art Archive invites you to explore a world where art meets the edges of desire.

You are more then welcome to join the over 10.000 artlovers who follow me on FetLife and if you just want to follow here that would be awesome since I can really use artlovers who appreciate my efforts.

For questions be sure to contact me, you can use the contact form or reach out through one of my socials.

Karen

The Olga Series
In the mid-1960s, Joseph P. Mawra directed the notorious Olga series—White Slaves of Chinatown, Olga’s House of Shame, Olga’s Girls, and Mme. Olga’s Massage Parlor—featuring a sadistic dominatrix involved in drugs, bondage, torture, and prostitution. Shot on tiny budgets with striking black-and-white visuals and Audrey Campbell’s chilling lead performance, these cult exploitation films shocked audiences, faced obscenity trials up to the Supreme Court, and helped erode censorship barriers in grindhouse cinema.
Flagellantismus als literarisches Motiv
Der Flagellantismus als literarisches Motiv (Flagellantism as a Literary Motif) is a pioneering, multi‑volume study by German author, occultist, and early sexologist Ernst Schertel (1884‑1958). Issued in four volumes between 1929 and 1932 by Schertel’s own Parthenon Verlag in Leipzig. The work stands as one of the most thorough early scholarly investigations of flagellation, specifically the erotic excitement generated by whipping or being whipped, as a recurring theme …
Man Ray
Man Ray was actively photographing from 1918 until shortly before his death in 1976, spanning nearly 60 years. He began seriously in 1918 by documenting his own artwork in New York, innovated with rayographs in 1922 after moving to Paris, and produced his most iconic Surrealist and experimental works (including bondage-themed series) in the late 1920s and early 1930s. He continued commercial portraiture, fashion photography, and experiments through the 1940s–1970s in Hollywood and back in Paris, though his peak creative output was in the interwar period (1920s–1930s).
History of Sex Machines
The history of artificial sexual aids dates back to prehistoric times, with the oldest dildos found in Germany. Ancient Greeks and Romans used phallic objects, while the first true sex machines emerged in the 18th century, disguised as medical devices for treating "hysteria." Vibrators began with steam-powered models like The Manipulator in 1880, leading to electric versions by the early 1900s. Today, historical devices are preserved in museums, reflecting their evolution.
Rumi Kasuga
Rumi Kasuga, born in 1930 in Osaka, became a pioneering figure in the post-war Japanese SM scene. Debuting in Kitan Club in 1954, she was known for her commanding dominance and skill in bondage. Kasuga also owned a bar in the gay SM scene and authored influential articles, solidifying her legacy.