How do older adults experience intimacy? While media often highlights youthful romance, it tends to overlook or trivialize the sexual lives of seniors. Artist Marilyn Minter aimed to change this narrative by photographing men and women aged 70 and above in her New York studio, capturing a rarely seen aspect of sexuality and relationships. Her vibrant and intimate images depict seniors in lingerie or briefs, embracing and enjoying tender moments, challenging societal taboos around elder sexuality.
“There’s a lot of disdain for elder intimacy,” Minter shared in a conversation. “Even one of my models questioned who would want to see this.” She saw her project as pioneering, aiming to portray older adults with elegance and desirability.
Some of these images were initially featured in the New York Times Magazine alongside an article on senior sexuality. Minter is now releasing the full series in her book “Elder Sex” and showcasing them at the LGDR gallery in New York. This exhibition, her first solo show in the city since 2016, includes highlights from her extensive career and new works.
In “Elder Sex,” Minter employs her signature style of close-up, jewel-toned compositions that appear as if viewed through a foggy mirror. Despite her reputation and collaborations with celebrities like Lady Gaga and Lizzo, finding real couples to participate was challenging. “We wanted diversity in race and sexual orientation,” Minter explained. “But it was hard to find willing participants.”
Ultimately, Minter cast actors alongside a few volunteers, pairing them in her studio and photographing them through a frosted glass panel to achieve the desired effect. The models, some as old as 89, shared that they still enjoy fulfilling sex lives, echoing sentiments from the New York Times Magazine article about deepening intimacy and understanding as they age.
Minter believes that later-life intimacy offers a unique freedom. “When you’re young, sex can be more about performance. At 80, it’s about authenticity and enjoyment,” she said.
She also recognizes the challenges women face regarding sexuality and self-image at any age. Older women are often not seen as having intimate needs, while younger women can face criticism for expressing sexual agency. However, Minter notes a cultural shift in how desirability is portrayed on screen, citing the evolution from shows like “The Golden Girls” to “Sex and the City,” where women in their 50s are depicted differently.
Minter hopes “Elder Sex” will provide a visual reference for intimacy in later life and empower those who feel their desires are ignored. “It’s about giving people permission to explore their sexuality without shame,” she said.
“Elder Sex” is now available from JBE Books.