Sex Shooter - The Liberation of Sexual Identity
Arts and cultural organizations from 18 cities European cities are jointly rewriting James Joyces' iconic and high-profile masterpiece Ulysses (1922) titled ULYSSES, European Odyssey. It is a new artistic translation of the book's 18 chapters, each with its own theme. Noorderlicht is the Dutch partner in this ambitious project, focusing on episode XIII from this classic European masterpiece, in which the theme of sexuality is central. Visual artist Hester Scheurwater was commissioned to elaborate episode XIII in an art installation.
She is doing so together with young artists Nelke Mast and Chiara Pastoor. The title of this multimedia installation is ‘Sex Shooter – The Liberation of Sexual Identity’, an explicit and confrontational experience suitable only for visitors over 18. The exhibition runs parallel to Gender Matters: Stories from Istanbul.
The installation ‘Sex Shooter, the Liberation of Sexual Identity’ is inspired by Episode XIII of Ulysses by James Joyce and translates the theme of sexuality, voyeurism, and objectification into various gender identities. The installation offers an experience where images, photographs, videos, sounds, and scents guide the viewer through the exhibition.
Hester: “By allowing visitors to embark on an inner journey from space to space, I aim to invite them to reflect on changing ideas surrounding identity, sexuality, and non-normative bodies. In my work and the process of creating this installation, I seek to reclaim power over how naked bodies and sexuality are perceived. I want to encourage people to embrace their own sexuality and body image, regardless of their gender identity, and empower them to deconstruct norms and find freedom in self-determination, by promoting gender equality and breaking traditional gender roles.”
Short Film
Directed By is a short film consisting of a collection of erotic, surreal and humorous self-portraits. Filmmaker and self-portrait artist Chiara Pastoor takes complete control of her body, sexuality and shameless enjoyment of yourself and your body. By assuming the position of director as well as the woman in the picture, she reclaims power over her body and female nudity on screen. Thus self-portrait art is redefined within the theories of the male, female and internalized male gaze. Recovering from Lyme disease and the sudden death of her brother, Chiara found that the grief surrounding these events had bastardized her relationship with her body. She no longer recognized her own body and felt removed from all need for intimacy and sex. Thus, in 2018, she decided to use the medium of photography to break these blockages. Erotic and nude self-portraits allowed her to revisit sexual needs in a safe playfulness and reconnect with her body.
Ulysses
Thanks to a 1.78 million euro grant from Creative Europe for a 33-month cultural project, 18 European cities, led by Brave New World Productions in Leeuwarden, can get to work on a new artistic translation and representation of James Joyce’s Ulysses. Noorderlicht, platform for contemporary perception, is the Dutch partner in this ambitious project. Want to know more about this project? Then click here.
Sex Shooter