The Museum of Sex in Manhattan has been ramping up its programming recently, and while the entire museum is dedicated to giving visitors a titillating experience, there is also a surprising amount of artwork by cherished fine artists.
Based on the title, the exhibit “The Sex Lives of Animals” seemed like something you would find on the Discovery Channel. However we were pleasantly surprised to find Norwegian artist Rune Olsen‘s masking tape sculptures that were commissioned to fit the exhibit’s “uncensored story of the natural world.” The five sculptures were all made with masking tape, graphite, wire, newspaper, steel and UV-Resistant acrylic. They are all life-sized and extremely well done, with the honorable mention going to “Panda Relations”, the panda bear couple caught in a moment of pleasure.
Next are the two interactive installations, “Splendor in the Grass” and the social media sensation, “Jump for Joy.” The first was created by design collective Studio Droog, and is an interactive installation that is meant to explore the power of the five human senses (as well as teach some sexy fun facts). “Jump for Joy” was part of the “Funland” exhibit, and is a giant boob moonbounce brought to you by notorious artist duo Bompas & Parr.
While ogling the glass cases that house the life-like male and female sex dolls (hard to look at them without thinking of Damien Hirst’s formaldehyde series), you notice a wall of delightful Keith Harring works entitled “Bad Boys”. This installation compliments the Keith Harring sex toy collection that is sold in the gift shop – an ideal collaboration for the artist who was an influential figure in the sexual liberation movement.
Finally you reach the café and bar, Play, located on the first floor behind the gift shop. Here you will encounter works that all share the common theme of sexuality by artists such as Nikola Tamindzic and Jordan Eagles, just to name a few.
So next time you’re tired of hitting up MoMA or the MET, head down to The Museum of Sex for an unlikely artistic experience. Click here to get your tickets or learn more about what’s currently on view.
