It’s hard to believe it’s been three decades since Madonna’s iconic photobook, Sex, debuted to a chorus of controversy in 1992. Erotic, sexy, and tantalizing – the echoes of its provocative pages are still felt to this day. Lensed by none other than Steven Miesel, fashion’s kingpin, the book is a bold reclamation of sexuality in the face of society’s domineering purity culture. In its pages, salacious photographs are coupled with Madonna’s written text. Thus, a seminal artifact of style and culture was born.
To honor its 30th anniversary, Saint Laurent is presenting the ‘Sex by Madonna’ Exhibition at the Art Basel Miami Beach from November 29 through December 4. Exclusively curated by Madonna herself, alongside SL creative director Anthony Vaccarello, the exhibit celebrates Rive Droite’s re-edition of the pop queen’s provocative book titled Sex, as part of the cultural destination’s “continued efforts in driving an exchange of pop culture, art, music, photography and limited-edition pieces.”
The beachfront gallery will house large-format images from the controversial pages of the book at the contemporary art fair, as an ode to the influence the book had on multiple art styles following the release of Sex.Sex’s pages are brought to life across its walls – re-imagining its cultural impact for a whole new generation.
Sex’s re-issue is being handled by the New York publishing house, Callaway, in an exclusive release of only 800 copies. For a lucky few, an auction will also be held for a limited number of copies signed by Madonna herself – with the proceeds going to the artist’s Raising Malawi charity. That said, there’ll be more limited edition pieces up for grabs – such as tote bags and t-shirts sold at the exhibition space.
From November 29th to December 4th, the doors of Saint Laurent’s beachfront gallery are open to anyone over the age of 18, for free! Guests are invited to take in the hotly-anticipated exhibition anywhere from 10am to 7pm; it’ll be nothing short of an experience.
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Photo Credit: photoproject.eu / Shutterstock.com