Last week I attended a kink art exhibit by Haro Watch. When it comes to kink, the majority automatically think of the book, “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Or a person working in Wall Street then goes to play parties on the weekend in secret. However, since then, I realize more and more people are reclaiming their sexual freedom more publicly. I’m not talking about literally out in the street with whips, chain, and handcuffs, more as in social media.
Kink is a playful word for BDSM. If you’re not aware of its meaning is bondage, discipline (or domination), sadism, and masochism (as a type of sexual practice). From attending the kink art exhibit, I learn kink is more than just slipping yourself into a latex outfit and preparing yourself for roleplay. Is more of a meditative experience and in some cases may lead to an altered state of consciousness. One study, published on May 2013, actually found that practitioners of BDSM were better off than the general population in some ways, including having secure relationships and lower anxiety.
I also learn there is more than a dominant and a submissive person. The other title is “switches.” Switches are people in the kink community who practice both receiving pains and giving pain. The proper name for switches is Sadomasochism.
Other than gaining a new perspective of the BDSM scene. There was one thing that stood out to me the most. The show highlights kinksters of color. As I mentioned previously, when BDSM is bought up in conversation is a link to the popular book or people who work in finance and then to this as their secret satisfaction. There’s usually a set way of doing things in this scene where it tends to push people of color away.
Mainly if one worked a nine to five job and decided to enjoy their nights and weekend to enjoy their partake in BDSM. Not all people of color have office jobs, some long work hours during the week. Time is not the only issue. It is maybe expensive to partake in a kink event. Or it may be too far away, or some cases might not let you in because of racism.
The kink art exhibit feature paintings from various people of color with all different sexualities and gender. It is an interpretation of what the BDSM culture means to them. There was also a poetry session in ode to the kink culture. My favorite part is when Haro Watch did an unveiling of his paintings. Is not only the lifestyle but the exposure to sex at a young age through cartoons. This particular painting also came with a lightswitch allowing the word kink itself to glow in neon lights. The ending of the event Haro Watch gave away one of his art. I always love when the artist is willing to give up a lovely piece they created to be express in someone home or workspace.