Other Intimacies is a new independently published book by London-based artist Anna Sampson, which explores the boundaries of erotica as a genre, reclaiming it from the oppressive heritage of the male gaze prevalent in the 20th century. It also shines a spotlight on the themes which largely remain in the shadows in contemporary society: queer desire and intimacy, subversive exploration of gender, the politics of sexual autonomy, sex work and the unapologetic, embodied exploration of self.
Other Intimacies is the reflection of Sampson’s life within the queer and sex workers’ communities, as well as the development of her artistic practice over the last 8 years. The book reflects her lasting commitment to portraiture, darkroom processes and platforming radical, and frequently othered, beauty. She has chosen the highest-quality materials and finishings for this fine-art-book-object, to further intensify this celebratory space of (queer) desire.
The book opens with Sampson’s Manifesto, which details the cultural lineage of Other Intimacies in the present climate of sex negativity and censorship. The book is then divided into three parts, Performance, Intimacy and Resistance, with written contributions from Vex Ashley, Max Disgrace, Anastasiia Fedorova, and an Epilogue by Jay They Stallion. Additionally, this book also includes an endorsement from iconic photographic artist Ajamu X.
Published in a numbered & limited edition of 300 and printed using lithography.
