Kinsey unveils new exhibit of 19th, 21st century erotic photos

Sex, art and 19th century photography are the main themes of the new exhibit, “As We See Them,” which opened Friday at The Kinsey Institute Gallery.

The new exhibit highlights photographic work, sparking discussion among spectators about sex and the body.

“It’s not just nudity, it’s beautiful nudity,” freshman Sophia Koehler-Derrick said. “I think the photographers are trying to press what people would cringe at and open the door to new discussions about sex.”

The exhibit consists of photographs by contemporary photographers using 19th century methods of processing film.

The exhibit also shows some original 19th century photos, giving people an opportunity to compare and contrast.

“This exhibit gives the average person an opportunity to learn a lot about photography if they aren’t familiar with the techniques used,” said Catherine Johnson-Roehr, curator for art, artifacts and photographs. “They will also get the great opportunity to become familiar with these artists.”

The exhibit featured a collection of daguerreotype photographs by artist Charlie
Schreiner.

“They originated between 1840 and 1850,” Schreiner said. “It was done in pure silver below a copper plate. It is then polished and coated with silver. In the olden days, it was big business to do a daguerreotype. People could get their portrait done instead of an oil.”

Before making one of his own, Schreiner was a collector of daguerreotypes.
Although most daguerreotypes are portraits, as a collector, Schreiner wanted a
rarer one.

“I couldn’t afford one, and I discovered if I wanted one, I had to make my own,” Schreiner said.

All of the materials in the exhibit are new, which is unique for the gallery, Johnson-Roehr said.

Usually the institute chooses to pull photos from their collection.

Guest curators and photographers Herbert Ascherman  Jr. and Jeannette Palsa came up with the idea and helped assemble the lineup of photographers, Johnson-Roehr said.

“Herbert asked the artists to donate at least one piece for the institute to keep,” Johnson-Roehr said.

The photos are processed using 19th century techniques, but the subjects of the pieces of art are from the 21st century.

Some artists have the models in classical Victorian or Edwardian positions, while others have a more modern view on the body and sex.

“Our exhibits are quite diverse,” said Garry Milius, associate curator of art, artifacts, and photographs. “People are always surprised by the quality of high art.”

Ascherman was scheduled to give a companion lecture, “Modern Vision, Classic Methods,” but the lecture was postponed due to bad weather.

The institute hopes to reschedule the lecture sometime in early February.