Postcards feature fetish photography

In an exhibit dealing with the erotic, one expects to find some content that pushes the boundaries. Sex, bondage, sado masochism and objectophilia are some of the themes depicted in "Erotic Postcards: Erotica in Miniature"

The exhibit lasts through the end of the month and features 4x6 photographs that explore the beauty of the human figure with varying degrees of eroticism.

The exhibit was held in the parlor of the Gerber House at the Collingwood Arts Center. The room is simply adorned with 14 wooden rods from which hang metal hooks displaying photographs.

The Midwestern artists use nudity and sexuality as commentary on social norms.

Artists include co-organizers Boyd Hambleton and Andi Young-Newton of Toledo, Lisolette Gilcrest of Fort Wayne, Sita Mae Edwards of Grand Rapids, A. Owen Layne of Ferndale, Mich., Colm McCarthy of Madison, as well as illustrations by Gen Pop of Chicago.

The art varies greatly from black and white photography, to color photographs, illustrations, and the use of different methods of pixelation.

Femininity is a recurrent theme of the "postcards" as Layne and Edwards dedicate their entire collection to the female form.

While Edwards focuses her work on the beauty of women of all shapes and sizes, Layne uses nude women less for beauty and more for comedic commentary.

"Erotica and sex are very much a part of who we are," Hambleton says. "When you deny those things you are denying who you are. I'm just trying to be as real as possible, while at the same time provoke people to think about things like this."

Hambleton and Young- Newton gathered some of the finest erotic photographers and artists of the Midwest to display their work. The idea to create postcards rather than framed pieces was in effort to make the art more accessible for the publc.

"Erotic Postcards: Erotica in Miniature" is on display until the end of the month, free of charge.