The Male Figure: Eros Unveiled — an exclusive collection celebrating homoeroticism and male beauty, live on Catawiki Homoerotic art ranks amongst Catawiki’s most-searched art terms and marks its shift from niche interest to mainstream appeal
Amsterdam, 30 October 2024 - Once limited to niche circles, homoerotic art is now making waves in mainstream collecting. Data from Catawiki, the leading marketplace for special objects, shows this rising interest, with “homoerotic” ranking among the most popular art terms on the platform. In response, Catawiki presents The Male Figure: Eros Unveiled—a unique collection showcasing works from both emerging and established artists that challenge and redefine traditional portrayals of male beauty and desire. This collection is live on the platform until 3 November 2024.
Left to right: Sylvain Dubrunfaut - 2 garçons and Simmon Said - Q Amphora
A journey from hidden to celebrated
Homoerotic art often depicts idealised male figures in scenes ranging from subtly suggestive to openly erotic. Far from new, this art form has deep roots extending back to the pre-Christian era, from the frescoes of Pompeii and ancient Rome to much later works. However, artists working in this genre were once considered transgressive, appealing primarily to niche collectors. Recently, a shift in demand has brought homoerotic art into the spotlight, unearthing a once obscured genre. In 2015, the British V&A Museum found ‘homoerotic’ amongst its top 10 search terms. On Catawiki alone, homoerotic art has now become one of the most searched-for art terms on the site, with searches for “erotic art” surging by 175% this year compared to last. This growing popularity reflects a cultural shift, transforming what was once seen as provocative into an art form celebrated for its beauty and its powerful messages about self-expression.
As Catawiki’s modern and contemporary art expert David Lopez-Carcedo observes: “The art world has changed drastically, what was once hidden is now celebrated. This growing demand reflects a new era of diversity and acceptance, where both art and society have progressed to reflect greater inclusivity. As the LGBTQ+ community gains rights and visibility, homoerotic art has found a broader audience, valued not only for its beauty but also for the powerful representation it provides.”
Kasper Grzegorz Kasperek - Human
A unique collection
The Male Figure: Eros Unveiled is a unique collection that presents almost 150 works that range from the classically inspired to the daringly modern. From emerging names such as Simmon Said, Sylvain Dubrunfaut and Georg Meyer-Wiel to established icons such as Duane Michals, Nan Goldin, Mark Seliger, these works explore desire, sensuality, and identity. Scenes range from intimate, suggestive portrayals to bold expressions of male connection, offering collectors a window into a genre that has evolved from the margins into the mainstream.
“This art’s appeal lies in its ability to balance the sensual with the subtle, being evocative but also thought-provoking.’’ Lopez-Carcedo states. ‘’This selection underscores a significant moment in art history, as homoerotic themes move from hidden subcultures into spaces of recognition and celebration. For those looking to begin their journey into homoerotic art, this collection offers an ideal starting point—and at Catawiki, we’re thrilled to make it accessible to collectors worldwide.’’ he concludes.
The collection is now live on Catawiki until Sunday 3 November 2024 at 19:01 UTC.
Editor's Notes
Images can be downloaded here.
About Catawiki
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