Mystical Power Plays

Orientalism and BDSM: A Fusion of Fantasy and Power In art history, literature, and cultural studies, Orientalism describes how Western writers, designers, and artists imitated or depicted aspects of the ‘Eastern’ world—spanning the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. This lens was steeped in romance and mysticism, projecting power, sensuality, and exoticism onto these cultures. Edward Saïd’s groundbreaking book Orientalism (1978) revealed how this Western … Continue reading Mystical Power Plays

Perceptions Diverge

The 1877 engraving “Warua Slave-Driver and Slave” from Across Africa portrays a slave-driver with a spear leading a bound slave across a sparse landscape, their minimal attire,loincloths and a headscarf, highlighted by detailed linework. It was published in the book Across Africa in 1877. A book by Verney Lovett Cameron (1844 – 1894) who was an English traveller in Central Africa and the first European to cross (1875) equatorial Africa from sea to … Continue reading Perceptions Diverge

Bading Time

This artwork, created by Albert Guillaume in 1905, is a striking example of early 20th-century French illustration, known for its bold and suggestive themes. Titled “Avant les Trois” (“Before the Three”), it features a provocative scene with nude figures, blending humor and satire, which was characteristic of Guillaume’s style. The piece reflects the artistic freedom and social commentary prevalent in Parisian art circles at the … Continue reading Bading Time

Amateur Fantasy Drawing

Amateur drawing from the pre-war collection of the Viennese Institute for Sexual Research. The collection of this institute (and the older institute in Berlin founded by Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld) was destroyed during WWII German textDienst auf dem WC: Während die Herrin ihr Bedürfnis verrichtet, liegt der Sklave ausgestreckt auf dem Boden. Ist die Herrin fertig, so erhebt sie sich, macht einige Schritte vorwärts und beugt … Continue reading Amateur Fantasy Drawing