Erotica

For the album by Madonna, see Erotica (album).

An erotic photograph of model Michele Merkin

Erotica (from the Greek language Eros - "love") — refers to works of art, including literature, photography, film, sculpture and painting, that deal substantively with erotically stimulating or arousing descriptions. Erotica is a modern word used to describe the portrayal of the human anatomy and sexuality with high-art aspirations, differentiating such work from commercial pornography.

The erotica/pornography debate

The distinction between erotica and pornography (as well as the lesser known genre of sexual entertainment, ribaldry) is difficult to identify, if not completely impossible. Proponents for erotic art argue that such work is intended to be artisically interesting rather than sexually, and is therefore not pornographic. Opponents see this as a pretentious stand as they believe that erotic art is indeed intended for sexual arousal.

The issue of whether a distinction can be made between erotica and pornography raises multiple complicated questions. These questions include whether aesthetic and erotic feelings are mutually exclusive, how the level of commercialism and tastefulness in an artwork can be objectively measured, and at what point they make the work pornographic.

In general, "erotica" refers to portrayals of sexually arousing material that hold or aspire to artistic or scientific merit, whereas "pornography" often connotes the prurient depiction of sexual acts, with little or no artistic value.

Genres and themes

There are various sub-genres of erotica. As with fiction as a whole, there are erotic stories with a science fiction, fantasy, horror or romance focus. Additionally, erotica can also focus on specific sexual behavior or fetishes such as BDSM, wearing uniforms, cross-dressing, polygamy and sexual promiscuity. Fan fiction featuring characters engaging in male homosexual acts has become known as slash fiction.

Student publications

In the 21st century, a new literary genre of student published journals at American universities was started. The following is a partial list of publications:

• The Moderator - Bard College
• Virgin Mawrtyr – Bryn Mawr College
• H-Bomb – Harvard University
• Quake – University of Pennsylvania
• Squirm – Vassar College
• Vita Excolatur – University of Chicago
• Bang and Untouchables – Swarthmore College
• Boink - Boston University

See also

• Adult theater
• Erotic art
• Erotic literature
• Eroticism
• History of erotic depictions
• History of erotic photography
• Homoeroticism
• Lesbianism in erotica
• List of authors of erotic works