Acclaimed artist Marilyn Minter aims to redefine perceptions of intimacy in later life with her latest exhibition, “Elder Sex.” By featuring seniors in romantic poses, Minter challenges societal taboos surrounding aging and sexuality, revealing that desire endures well into the golden years.
Why It Matters
This initiative sheds light on a rarely acknowledged aspect of life for many seniors: their sexual and emotional needs. As culture evolves, showcasing the intimacy of older adults is essential for fostering a more inclusive and understanding dialogue about aging and desire.
Key Developments
- Minter gathered men and women aged 70 and older to create a series of intimate photographs, aiming to present them in an elegant and appealing light.
- The project faces cultural resistance, with many potential participants hesitant to be portrayed as sexual beings.
- “Elder Sex” is set to be a part of a gallery exhibit, showcasing her five-decade-long artistic journey.
- Minter’s images reveal that many seniors maintain vibrant sex lives and challenge the stigma associated with senior intimacy.
- The series is published in a book and has been exhibited at the LGDR Gallery in New York.
Full Report
In her recent series, Marilyn Minter captures the nuanced and beautiful moments of intimacy among seniors, dispelling the myth that sexual desire fades with age. Her works, characterized by jewel-toned, close-cropped compositions, illustrate affection and pleasure in a society that often overlooks or dismisses the sexual lives of older adults.
During an interview, Minter recalled the disbelief from some models about the appropriateness of such imagery. She noted that older individuals often grapple with societal contempt surrounding their sexuality, emphasizing her aim to depict this demographic with dignity and desire. Throughout her creative process, many models narrated their ongoing, fulfilling sex lives, echoing sentiments from those interviewed for a recent feature in the New York Times Magazine.
Minter expressed her frustration in finding willing participants, noting that even among her acquaintances, stigma around aging and sexuality was prevalent. Despite her stature as a groundbreaking artist, she ultimately turned to actors to fill some spaces in her project. She employed techniques to evoke intimacy, such as photographing subjects behind frosted glass for a steamy effect, underlining the playful and affectionate spirit infused in the works.
Minter also addressed how societal perceptions differ across generations; women today, regardless of age, face challenges regarding sexual agency. She remarked on the acceptability of younger women expressing their desires, juxtaposed against older women, who are often invisibilized in these conversations.
Yet, Minter observes a shift in how media portrays aging, citing comparisons between characters from “The Golden Girls” and “Sex and the City.” The changing narratives reflect a broader acceptance of older adults as vibrant and sexually active individuals.
Ultimately, Minter hopes “Elder Sex” serves both as a visual representation of mature intimacy and as encouragement for seniors who may feel ashamed about their desires. She aims to challenge societal standards, inviting individuals to explore their own needs without shame.
Context & Previous Events
Minter’s recent exhibition follows her retrospective at the Brooklyn Museum, affirming her status as a prominent figure in contemporary art. Additionally, the portrayal of older adults in television has undergone noticeable changes, contributing to a richer representation of intimacy across various demographics.
