a month of desire at hatch art

17 Artists Showing What’s Sexy

Oct 13, 2022

Along with evolving attitudes toward gender identity, the notion of what is sexy is also changing for the better. We are moving away from the hetero-male-centric, media-defined ideal that often dealt in harassment and exploitation. This makes us freer to have a broader, diverse array of interests that are healthier, humane, and oh so alluring. In this (semi) post-COVID time of re-emergence, it is our chance to say: let’s celebrate the new sexy!
17 Detroit-area artists with a wide range of views are showing work, either by expressing what they find appealing, or by expressing their own sexiness.

Roy Feldman offers nine iterations of his vision of sexy. Polaroids are a photographer’s tell as you either got the shot or you didn’t. Through tight compositions in black and white, some narratives are difficult to untangle creating the classic mysterious intrigue.

Madhurima Ganguly *Organic Growth of Pain* watercolor, ink (8x10ish)

La douleur exquise is a frequent ingredient in erotic repertory. This picture’s vivid color and mirrored composition with gravity-defying elements generate intense energy within a small space.

Scott Northrup presents the voyeur; one more comfortable watching than participating. He also contributed several collaged notecards with snippets of melancholy romantic interludes which are scattered throughout the exhibition.

Jessica Dietz Drown pigment print. My apologies to Dietz as this is framed under glass and had to shoot it at a weird angle to get even this, which isn’t great but had to include it. No sizes posted in the show, *again*, so maybe 18x16?

As my subjective cisgender hetero eye scanned the work in this show, Jessica Dietz’ image hit the spot, although I prefer tight boxers. This image isn’t much of a stretch anymore, especially since heavily inked Adam Levine went full monty several years ago for Cosmo UK. Of note is the male figure being treated like the ubiquitous female nude has been for centuries. Welcome to the party boys.

The exhibition contains none of the clichéd lace and bustiers while avoiding a crossover into The Dirty Show’s bawdy presentation. It seemed to tackle gender roles, sexual orientation and race rather than the purely sensual. Some of the work didn’t strike me as having anything to do with sex at all. What this says is everyone’s interpretation is different. As we continue to embrace diversity in all areas of our lives, this older white female appreciates not having to pretzel into that old-school blonde bombshell Barbie shape to be considered desirable. Get your swerve on where you want. Kisses!

Participating artists: Jetshri Bhadviya, Kaleigh Blevins, Doug Cannell, Jessica Dietz, Roy Feldman, Jessica Frelinghuysen, Madhurima Ganguly, Christopher Gene, Keto Green, Donna Jackson, Heather Kelly, Tom Livo, Miles Marie, Mary Ann Monforton, Scott Northrup, Anna van Schaap, Christopher Schneider

On view through November 5th at Hatch Art 3456 Evaline Hamtramck

*images are mine