Working Girl: On Selling Art and Selling Sex

Sex and art are two spheres that should be kept separate from the marketplace, but they are two lucrative industries that are built on the commodification of creativity and desire. Sophia Giovannitti argues that we should accept this and find new ways to live and spaces of freedom, as everything is possible when there is nothing left to protect.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2023
Publisher: Verso Books

Sex and art, we are often told, are sacred realms that should be kept separate from the clutches of the marketplace. Yet, these two spheres support two immensely profitable industries, built upon the commodification of creativity, desire, authenticity, and intimacy. Our response to this should not be limited to moral or political outrage, nor should it involve legal regulation or denial. Instead, as Sophia Giovannitti compellingly argues in her work, we should embrace acceptance as a means to find a more autonomous way of living.

In this thought-provoking and introspective exploration, Giovannitti draws upon cultural and political theory, the contemporary art world, and her own personal experiences as a sex worker and artist striving to make a living. Through her analysis, she suggests that if we delve into our apprehensions surrounding art and sex, we can uncover new avenues for living and create spaces, albeit small, of freedom. When all forms of protection are stripped away, she argues, the possibilities for transformation and liberation become limitless.

Giovannitti's work challenges us to reconsider our assumptions and preconceptions about these two intertwined realms. She questions the boundaries that have been imposed upon us and advocates for a more inclusive and liberated approach to art and sexuality. By embracing acceptance, we can break free from the constraints of societal norms and forge our own paths, guided by our own desires and values.

This book offers a valuable perspective on the complex relationship between sex and art, shedding light on the ways in which they are intertwined, commodified, and perpetuated. It encourages us to challenge the status quo and seek new ways of living and being that are more authentic and fulfilling. As Giovannitti asserts, when everything is left to chance, the possibilities for growth and transformation are boundless.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 147 x 217 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839766701