SHUNGA - THE ART OF SEX IN ART

The Koppel Project is pleased to present SHUNGA - The Art of Sex in Art, a self-paced online course aimed for artists, curators, creatives, collectors and everyone who is interested in fine art, the human psyche, human sciences and historical matters. This online course provides unlimited, lifetime access to course material on any and all your devices.

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youtube Video

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"Did you know that modern art would not have been as we know it today, without the radical influence of a not much known type of art movement that originates from Japan? The most intriguing part is that this type of art is of erotic nature. It is the art of Shunga!

Shunga are a type of Japanese Ukiyo-e movement that flourished during the Edo period. Following the aesthetics of everyday life, Shunga varied widely in its depictions of sexuality and human orgasm itself. It was enjoyed by all social groups in the 18th and 19th century. Inclusive, honest and sensual, Shunga showcased masculine and feminine sexuality of all ages and types, as well as gay and lesbian sexuality; in the absence of clichés and with no intention of social and moral conditioning. Long before the impact and success of Western psychoanalysis, the art of Shunga highlighted the importance and variety of human sexuality in a natural, inspiring and guilt-free way.

Would it be possible for something easily identified as ‘pornography’ to be connected to exquisite painting and bear artistic value? All great Ukiyo-e artists made Shunga during their careers, in an avant-garde, skilful artistic and aesthetic way. Therefore, this art form touched a key part of human psyche that Western art didn’t, at/during that time. This is why it has been perceived as radical and utterly provoking by the West and therefore influenced the pioneers of Western Modern art since mid 19th century."

- Roula Akalestou

For more details about the course and to enroll please click here