Fine Art Publishing
PRESS RELEASE:
We invite you to join us for an exploration of human vulnerability and the timeless beauty of the unadorned form. “OBSESSIONS” is an ode to the human spirit, a celebration of the profound authenticity that lies with us.
For more information about this exhibit, link here: https://www.prismartsphiladelphia.com
Text by ChatGBT
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Edited by Tony Ward
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The Kamasutra: Unveiling the Historical and Cultural Facts
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Renowned for its explicit depiction of sexual practices, the Kamasutra is often misunderstood as a mere manual of lovemaking. However, this ancient Indian text holds a rich historical and cultural significance. This essay explores the history of the Kamasutra, tracing its origins, the life of its author Vatsyayana, its purpose, and its enduring impact on society.
The Kamasutra was composed in ancient India, likely between the 3rd and 6th centuries CE. It is attributed to Vatsyayana Mallanaga, a scholar and philosopher. Although little is known about Vatsyayana himself, his work provides insights into the social, cultural, and sexual practices of his time. The Kamasutra draws from earlier Sanskrit texts on human behavior and aims to guide individuals in attaining pleasure, love, and spiritual fulfillment.
Contrary to popular belief, the Kamasutra is not solely focused on sexual techniques. It is a comprehensive treatise on human relationships, encompassing topics such as courtship, marriage, family life, and social norms. The text presents a holistic approach to human sexuality, recognizing its role in a well-rounded and fulfilling life.
The Kamasutra consists of seven books, covering a wide range of subjects. It explores the nature of desire, different types of men and women, appropriate conduct for courtesans, methods of seduction, and the art of lovemaking. However, it also addresses broader aspects of life, including aesthetics, household management, and the pursuit of spirituality.
To understand the Kamasutra, it is essential to consider the cultural and social context of ancient India. The text emerged during the Gupta period, a time of remarkable intellectual and artistic achievements. Indian society during this era valued sensuality and embraced the idea of pleasure as a legitimate pursuit.
The Kamasutra reflects the highly stratified social structure of ancient India, delineating the roles and expectations of different social classes. It emphasizes the importance of caste, social standing, and ethical conduct in relationships. Additionally, the text acknowledges the existence of diverse sexual orientations and explores the complexities of human desires.
The Kamasutra’s influence has transcended time and borders. Despite being largely forgotten for centuries, it gained international attention in the 19th century when it was translated into English. Since then, it has sparked curiosity, fascination, and controversy worldwide.
The enduring legacy of the Kamasutra lies in its impact on the perception and exploration of human sexuality. It challenged societal taboos and encouraged open discussions about pleasure, desire, and relationships. Moreover, it inspired artists, writers, and scholars, shaping artistic depictions of intimacy, erotic literature, and academic studies on sexuality.
The Kamasutra is far more than a guide to sexual techniques; it is a testament to the complexities of human relationships and the recognition of pleasure as an essential component of a fulfilling life. Its historical and cultural significance, along with its enduring influence, ensures that the Kamasutra continues to captivate and inform individuals across generations, encouraging exploration and understanding of human sexuality.
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Editor’s Note: There are a limited number of both vintage and modern prints of this photograph available from the Tony Ward archives. Contact the studio for price list. Email: Tony@TonyWard.com.
Poetry by A.H. Scott, Copyright 2022
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Something New
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About The Author: A.H. Scott is a poet based in New York City and frequent contributor to Tony Ward Studio. To read additional articles by Ms. Scott, go here: https://tonywarderotica.com/a-h-scott-timess-a-ticking/
A.H. Scott’s book: A Missed Flight is available on Amazon!
Photography and Text by Tony Ward, Copyright 2022
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The Maid and The Maiden
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By the early nineteen nineties I was beginning to start photographing pre-conceived fantasy scenes that I would later call tableaux vivant’s. The photographs would be comprised of two to three actors for each scene that were the basis for a series of pictures that resulted in the book of Tableaux Vivant’s, published by Edition Stemmle, Zurich, Switzerland 2001. This particular role play of maid and maiden was the only color image produced in the series that began in 1993 and completed with the publication of the monograph in 2001.
An ideal location was selected by scouting an advertising agencies offices in center city Philadelphia that I had an affiliation with for freelance photographic assignments. My contact at the agency, an art director friend, got permission for me to photograph on a balcony outside of the original John Wanamaker conference room. The terrace was made up of old stone and poured concrete. The John Wanamaker department store opened in Philadelphia in 1910 and has been in continuous operation as a store an office building ever since. The setting fit in perfectly with the dominant/submissive theme of the picture. The oversized broom – a prop for the maid- was discovered at the agency while I was scouting the location. The advertising agency had the oversized prop made for a client project so when I came across it, I imagined a way for it to fit into the overall humor of the scene.
The maiden, whose back is to the camera was a stripper that I cast from Delilah’s Den a popular strip club in Philadelphia. The maid was cast from a local talent agency. Her look and demeanor were perfectly suited to being the overworked submissive in the fantasy relationship.
The film was cross processed at a film processing lab to give the photo a cinematic feel. A few Type-C original vintage prints remain in the archives and are available for sale. Contact the studio for further information about the sale of this original image.
Text by A.H. Scott, Copyright 2021
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Embrace The Light
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A.H. Scott’s book: A Missed Flight is available on Amazon!