I was invited to exhibit part of my Un-Shrouded series at an event that took place at the National Arts Club in New York City in May, 2009.

The event dealt with erotica. Although I have never actually attended an event at the NAC, I have seen some that had been videotaped, on YouTube as well as the NAC website. My understanding was that  there would be a talk, some poetry reading and other performances as well as works of art and other articles relating to the subject of eroticism.

The images you see behind me in the photograph are the actual four prints that will be framed for this event, but are seen here hanging from clips. There is a fifth print on the wall to my left that will also be framed, but was rejected from the show due to the full frontal nudity of my subject. The organisers, although quite brave to have this kind of show in an ultra-conservative, established old club, felt that we would have gone beyond the limits of acceptance for the guests of this event. However, when it came to the hanging, the fifth photograph was re-instated as part of he exhibition.

I applaud my hosts for helping to bring erotica in art, ancient as it may be, back into the mainstream and towards social acceptance. After-all how much longer can we live with “blinders” on? Except for very few societies in the world, what better place than New York City can such an event and exhibit take place.

Eroticism: Studies of desire and sexuality

Presented by the Roundtable Committee and co-chairs for the night, Danielle Schachter, Annika

Connor, and Helga Kopperl.

This evening the Roundtable Committee creates an environment that explores the powerful effect of eroticism in the arts and the many forms of expression that it encompasses.

Eroticism: Studies of Desire and

Sexuality will delve into such burning questions as:

* What is erotic, who decides, and how have different cultures and time periods expressed this?

* How has erotic art been received in the art community?

* Why does the focus of erotic art changed through the years and why?

* How has eroticism influenced the work of the world’s great artists, artisans and writers?

On May 21st this one-night affair includes:

*Art presentation and lectures by Danielle Schachter, Annika Connor and Carolyn Weltman

*Erotic readings directed by Helga Kopperl, performances by actors Tony Travostino and

Memory Contento

*Exploration (and tasting) of chocolate conducted by lifestyle expert Thomas P. Farley

*Exhibition by photographer Sol Lang, paintings by Nick Papadakis, and other various artists

*Vocal performance soprano Katharina Hagopian with piano accompaniment by Ye Duan