The InstigatorErotica: An Exhibition to Arouse returns to titillate at Salem on the Edge during February.
It’s officially a thing. The annual Erotica show at Salem on the Edge has returned to titillate downtown Salem for the month of February. And while gallery owner Melanie Weston may have received fewer submissions than the inaugural show last year, the artists took heed to the call for the erotic. Last year included many flora/fauna pieces; this year, not so much, said Melanie.
“Erotica is so different for everyone. I was happy to see more figures and [works that are] very body positive,” Melanie noted. “I think no matter what your body is, you should be proud of it. We are who we are. Erotica is celebrating every body.”
This year’s show was juried by artist and curator Jen Brown.
“She does a lot of narrative figure painting,” said Melanie. “She was a good fit for this show.”
Jen selected 19 pieces in a variety of mediums, including a sculpture and an interactive piece that encourages visitors to “play with me (please).”
Her statement about the exhibit stresses the deep roots of erotica in human culture —
“Found in Paleolithic cave paintings and carvings, erotic art is as old as art itself. Human beings have a long-standing fascination with sex and erotic love; it has inspired reliefs on ancient churches and temples, words by celebrated poets, and visual artists today. It is truly amazing that even just a few simple lines in a drawing can provoke such excitement and intense emotion in the viewer.”
From “The Original Magic Merkin” by Andrew Kuenzi.
“It’s just a fun show. Erotica is part of life. Come in with an open mind and without any prejudgements,” said Melanie.
Artists in the show include Oregon artists Hok Hawkins, Becki Hesedahl, Bryan Hobein, Christopher St. John, Aron Michael Johnston, Timmy Knight, Andrew Kuenzi, Justin Lavery, Rich McCloud, Susan Napack, Sarah Orschel, James O’Shea, Aimee O’Will, Melissa Rivers, Ruri, Marie Esther Sund, T.M.A., Deborah Ann Turney and Deanna White.
Complementing the Erotica show is Susan Napack’s Heart of the Matter/Matter of the Heart, a multimedia exhibit of work that represents Susan’s “attraction to the textures of materials and the texture of life as seen through the lens of representations of the heart, mind and other images and objects that catch my eye.”
Stop in and have a look. The exhibits run through February 26, 2022, at Salem on the Edge, 156 Liberty St. NE in downtown. It’s open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Info: 503-884-0635; https://salemontheedge.com/
Carlee Wright
