“Never before has the artist and buyer had so many options and avenues to connect with each other, whether for appreciation or transaction. For the artist, technological advances and the prevalence of the Internet have revolutionized production, opened new geographical markets and provided sales channels to those markets. Equally, for the buyer, the increasing – perhaps overwhelming – choice of artist, style, supplier, and production type shows no sign of abating. Excitement, confusion and frustration grow at pace and in parallel.” – Mark Davis on 'Selling Sensuality and the Erotic Art Market,'
Modern Love has recently highlighted the work of several erotic artists, and in a recent article, I interviewed Fritz ‘e’, the founder and curator of Erotic Signature. In this companion piece, Dirk Westphal - the German artist whose piece entitled ‘Acrobat’ was the Master Award Winner - shares his thoughts on erotic art, the changing marketplace, and the prestige that comes from recognition of this caliber.
His experience mirrors the assertion by Mark Davis above. “Last year I was very thrilled by winning the master prize of the Erotic Signature competition with my first attendance - but one year later I have to sum up that my economic success has [not] changed a lot,” admitted this married father of two children, and graduate of the University of Applied Science at Dortmund, Germany.
That is because, as much as appreciation for erotic art has now entered the mainstream, passion for and about sensual art hasn’t necessarily translated into consumption with the wallet.
“People gave compliments to me - the finest compliments came from the other artists - but mostly they simply want to consume erotic art for free and not pay money for an original or print.”
This, despite the fact that his fine art is reasonably priced (depending on size, and whether the piece is an original or reprint, starting at $110 and up) on his website, secretpleasuregarden.com.
He insists that this should not dissuade artists from participating in competitions like those offered by Erotic Signatures (for more on submitting artwork, read Erotic Signature Announces Juror Selection, Final Call for Submissions). Westphal appreciates the exposure and advantages that come from winning awards and gaining recognition. “The prize has brought some advantages for me.” In particular, he credits it with giving him greater name recognition in the world of erotic art, and freely admits that publication is ‘very fine for the ego and raises popularity too.”
Most notably, he points out that the being selected by an esteemed panel of jurors is a “fine chapter in the artist’s vita,” because of the “seal of quality” that comes from this level of recognition.
Additionally, the prize has opened important doors for him. Westphal is now represented by obsessionart.com (of which Mark Davis is founder and managing director), a leading purveyor committed to the promotion and sale of high-quality erotic art. And Westphal credits Erotic Signature with helping to secure a solo exhibition in Zurich, Switzerland. He’s also currently negotiating the purchase of originals to a museum collection dedicated to the sensual arts. For readers interested in purchasing his art, visit Westphal's online shop.
“All this brought me to the decision to participate in the new competition,” he told Modern Love. He’s also doing his part to introduce other artists to Erotic Signature. “I think the ES competition is still unknown in many countries,” and to many artists, who are yet unaware of the unique benefits available to them via this venue.
For more on Erotic Signatures, visit their website, and peruse their beautiful and high-quality coffee table book (adult content only) here.
Follow Modern Love on Twitter and Facebook. All Modern Love Examiner articles ©2010 by Tinamarie Bernard; PARTIAL reposts only permitted with link back to original article. All other rights reserved.
Comments
Wonderful article. So pleased to see a spotlight not only on Dirk, but erotic art in general! I look forward to the day when erotic art is widely accepted and people are eager to not only purchase artwork but display it on their walls!
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