What do rigidity detectors, male
vibrators, and penile strain gauges all have in common? Aside from
making some people uncomfortable, they’re featured in the collection of
the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction. Sarah Sudhoff photographed these tools and more for her series Wired, which documents the somewhat wonky devices used for experiments in sex research.
The Kinsey Institute, founded in 1947 by Alfred C. Kinsey in Bloomington, Indiana, was a powerful and controversial champion of sex research. By openly covering subjects from the female orgasm to homosexuality, it challenged the prudish morality of American society. While many consider the institute a relic of the past, it’s been hard at work for almost 70 years now. Today’s research emphasizes “the complexities of sexual interest, behavior and sexual health,” and all the age-old issues still surrounding human sexuality.
Sudhoff’s projects focus on medical themes—she’s never been fazed by birth, death, or bodily functions—so it seems only natural that she’d dive into the clinical study of sex. After visiting the institute when she was part of its annual juried exhibition, she became the first artist-in-residence in 2010.
While exploring and photographing the institute’s historical
collection, Sudhoff came across a researcher washing a biothesiometer, a
device used to measure the effects of vibrations on the penis while
flaccid and erect. She was shocked to discover the institute was still
actively researching human sexual response. She ended up focusing on the
devices—both historical and contemporary—used in various experiments.
Despite the “sexual liberation” of the ’60s and ’70s, research on the subject still holds a certain taboo.
“I’m not sure why the United States and several other countries are still quite hush-hush on the topic of sex. It’s not a new idea, for goodness’ sake. Participation in this ‘naughty’ behavior had to occur for each of us to exist,” said Sudhoff.
However controversial, Sudhoff found the institute continuing its research and trying to address current sexual issues.
“The Kinsey has a sister site called Kinsey Confidential, which features sex podcasts and a website dedicated to providing answers for college age adults,” said Sudhoff. “All of this makes this institute extremely modern and essential in our society.
The Kinsey Institute, founded in 1947 by Alfred C. Kinsey in Bloomington, Indiana, was a powerful and controversial champion of sex research. By openly covering subjects from the female orgasm to homosexuality, it challenged the prudish morality of American society. While many consider the institute a relic of the past, it’s been hard at work for almost 70 years now. Today’s research emphasizes “the complexities of sexual interest, behavior and sexual health,” and all the age-old issues still surrounding human sexuality.
Sudhoff’s projects focus on medical themes—she’s never been fazed by birth, death, or bodily functions—so it seems only natural that she’d dive into the clinical study of sex. After visiting the institute when she was part of its annual juried exhibition, she became the first artist-in-residence in 2010.
More from the WIRED Sex Issue:
Despite the “sexual liberation” of the ’60s and ’70s, research on the subject still holds a certain taboo.
“I’m not sure why the United States and several other countries are still quite hush-hush on the topic of sex. It’s not a new idea, for goodness’ sake. Participation in this ‘naughty’ behavior had to occur for each of us to exist,” said Sudhoff.
However controversial, Sudhoff found the institute continuing its research and trying to address current sexual issues.
“The Kinsey has a sister site called Kinsey Confidential, which features sex podcasts and a website dedicated to providing answers for college age adults,” said Sudhoff. “All of this makes this institute extremely modern and essential in our society.