A new artistic project aims to depict intimacy among seniors, a facet often overlooked in popular culture. Artist Marilyn Minter gathered men and women aged 70 and older in her New York studio to explore sexual relationships among older adults, challenging societal taboos. The series, featuring vibrant images of seniors in intimate poses, emphasizes affection and pleasure.
Previously published in the New York Times Magazine, the complete series is now available in Minter’s upcoming book, “Elder Sex,” and is being exhibited at the LGDR gallery in New York. This exhibition marks Minter’s first solo show in the city since her 2016 retrospective, “Pretty/Dirty,” and showcases new artworks alongside highlights from her five-decade career.
Minter aimed for diverse representation in her photos, expressing challenges in finding real couples to participate. Despite being an established artist, she noted that many friends were hesitant to engage in the project. Ultimately, she cast actors to fill the gaps and employed a creative technique involving frozen glass to achieve the desired aesthetic.
The models, some as old as 89, reported enjoying active sexual lives, echoing findings from the New York Times Magazine article that discussed growing intimacy among senior couples. Minter believes seniors have a liberated perspective on sex, stating that later-in-life intimacy allows for a more genuine experience compared to younger years.
Addressing the broader issues of sex and self-image, Minter pointed out the societal challenges faced by women of all ages regarding sexual agency. Despite this, she noted progress in cultural representations of desire, citing comparisons between older female characters in shows like “The Golden Girls” and “Sex and the City.”
Minter hopes “Elder Sex” will provide a necessary visual reference for intimacy in later life and inspire those who feel ashamed of their desires to embrace their sexuality. The book, published by JBE Books, is currently available for purchase.
Source: Reported based on publicly available information from www.cnn.com.
