Sex Work
Eine Kulturgeschichte der Sexarbeit
Kunst- und Ausstellungshalle der Bundesrepublik Deutschland

Temptation and Protection

The history of sex work can be traced from antiquity to the present day. Which image of the human being prevailed in a given period and what that says about power, values, and human fellowship is reflected in how society responded to the existence of sex work. Most recently, the issue has been back at the top of the political agenda, with plans to amend the law regulating sex work, which experts argue is inadequate to ensure sex workers' self determination. The expert panel convened for the purpose does not include sex workers. These debates, as well as artistic perspectives for a multifaceted vision of sex work, are brought into focus in the publication accompanying the exhibtion Sex Work. A Cultural History. 

Presenting works of art, cultural artifacts, and archival materials, the project explores the subiect in depth. In collaboration with Obiects of Desire – a collective of sex workers and their archive – the Bundeskunsthalle is working to chart contemporary perspectives. With essays by Johanna Adam, Laura Agustín, Objects of Desire, Ernestine Pastorello, Maxime Poulain, Ruby Rebelde, Maximilian Reifenröther, and Hildegard Titus. 

With works by Sarah Ainslie, Jürgen Baldiga, Philip-Lorca diCorcia, Vaginal Davis, Otto Dix, General Idea, Selma Gültoprak, Nan Goldin, Jeanne Mammen, Cheryl Mcintosh, Midori, Mark Morrisroe, Julian Rosefeldt, Annie Sprinkle, and others.