Sensual Photographs of Older Adults Challenge Stereotypes About Age and Intimacy
Marilyn Minter, the acclaimed artist, is challenging societal norms and perceptions about intimacy in older adults. In a society where sexual imagery is dominated by younger, wrinkle-free bodies, Minter is putting the spotlight on a less explored dimension of sexuality: senior intimacy.
The artist brought together a group of individuals aged 70 and above in her New York studio last year to capture a different side of sex and relationships. Dressed in lingerie or briefs, the seniors are photographed in moments of passion and warmth. The images, both erotic and vibrant, break away from the norm and shed light on the often overlooked yet playful and pleasurable aspects of elder intimacy.
Minter voiced her concern about society's disdain for elder sexuality. She recalled how one of the models questioned who would want to see such images. The artist, however, approached the project with the intention of pioneering a new perspective. Her goal was to portray the elderly in a way that was affectionate, elegant, and appealing.
Some of the resulting images were featured in a New York Times Magazine editorial about seniors' sex lives. Minter is also showcasing the complete collection in her upcoming book "Elder Sex," and at a solo exhibition at the New York gallery LGDR.
In her book, Minter applies her signature style of jewel-toned, close-cropped compositions of gleaming bodies, creating an illusion of viewing through a misty mirror or window. Yet, despite her status as a groundbreaking artist, she had difficulty finding enough real couples willing to participate.
Minter wanted to include a diverse range of couples and sexual orientations, but faced challenges in finding willing models. Eventually, she used actors and a few individuals who agreed to participate. She photographed them behind a frozen glass panel, a technique she used to capture a steamy aesthetic without battling the fleeting nature of water vapor.
Minter shared how the models, some as old as 89, revealed they still had consistent and enjoyable sex lives. Their experiences mirrored those interviewed for the New York Times Magazine feature, describing an evolving intimacy and understanding of their needs as they aged.
She believes that sex in later life offers a sense of liberation that often takes time to achieve. According to Minter, the sexual experience at an older age becomes less about performance and more about personal enjoyment and authenticity.
Minter also acknowledged the complexities of sex and self-image for women of all ages. Older women are rarely recognized as having intimate needs, while younger women's sexual agency often walks a fine line.
She observes, however, a growing shift in societal attitudes towards desirability. She used the comparison of characters from "The Golden Girls" and "Sex and the City" in People magazine to illustrate how perceptions of women in their 50s have evolved over time.
Her project "Elder Sex" aims to serve as a reference for what intimacy can look like in older age, and to resonate with those who feel their desires are overlooked. Minter hopes her work will help people overcome any shame associated with their sexual desires and encourage them to explore their sexuality freely.
"Elder Sex," published by JBE Books, is now available.