The age of erotica

Pleasures of the hunt, c.1800, Kangra, in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Pic Courtesy/metmuseum.org

From the sculptures and engravings in the temples of Khajuraho, to ancient texts like the Kamasutra, India has a rich history of sensual and erotic art. Many artworks within India explore and express the themes of sexuality, love and desire. Despite the presence of these works, even today, sexuality is not openly discussed, and vital sex education is not often taught in schools. Agents of Ishq, an art and educational project on sexuality, aims to change this narrative and equip people from all walks of life with comprehensive sexuality education, rooted in an Indian context. And so with their Sharbati Shaam session this Friday, Vinit Vyas, an art history graduate, will aim to decode erotic art from the past.

Depictions of erotica on the sculptures at Khajuraho temples

"There's not much sex education in India and in the media and public space, sex is discussed with its relationship to violence; we don't talk about it in terms of pleasure, experiences, doubts and emotions. Conversations about sexuality should be rooted in Indian life and history; that's what we're aiming for," shares Paromita Vohra, filmmaker and founder of Agents of Ishq. The session will be facilitated by Vyas, who is also a visiting faculty at NID, Delhi.

Vinit Vyas and Paromita Vohra

"I have an archive of old paintings that I keep for this session where I will discuss a range of depictions of sex and sexuality and how it functions, including how concepts like puns and satire work in sex. I will be touching upon the history of emotions like grief and laughter; all of this will be woven together," he elaborates. "It's relevant for kids. For example, for a trans kid who sees the painting with a trans person depicted, I believe it empowers them," Vyas explains. So for those curious about this aspect of ancient history, give it a go?

On: May 28; 7 pm onwards
Log on to: @agentsofishq on Instagram