Gallery's Archive as a Reflection of Societal Attitudes Towards Sex, Gender, and Beauty
The history of Gallery magazine offers an insight into how society has evolved its perception of sex, gender, and physical appearance. The magazine was launched in 1968 in Sweden under the title Skin Deep, focusing primarily on nude photography. Its purpose was to provide readers with an alternative to Playboy which portrayed women as objects for male pleasure. However, it didn't gain much popularity until the late 70s when the editors changed their approach from being anti-capitalist to being more commercialized. It became one of the most popular pornographic magazines in Europe after that. In the early days of Gallery, men were depicted as strong, masculine, and powerful while women were seen as passive and submissive. These images reflected the traditional roles that existed during this time. As feminism gained momentum in the 1970s and 80s, these attitudes began to change. Women started to be portrayed as strong and independent, breaking away from the stereotypes created by previous generations.
In addition, there was also a shift towards a greater emphasis on individuality within relationships. This is exemplified by the inclusion of articles about swinging couples and open marriages in the magazine. The increase in sexual liberation during this period led to an increased focus on exploration rather than simply fulfillment. The 1990s saw further developments in the way sex was viewed by society. There was a rise in explicit content, with some issues featuring graphic depictions of group sex or BDSM practices. However, this was balanced out by a growing awareness of consent culture and respect for boundaries. Sexual assault allegations against high-profile individuals such as Bill Cosby sparked conversations around power dynamics and abuse within intimate relationships. Gallery's coverage of these topics showed how public opinion had begun to shift away from accepting all types of behavior without question.
Today, Gallery continues to evolve its content in line with societal trends and changes. It now features stories about polyamory and non-binary identities, showing a willingness to embrace diversity across all areas of life including gender identity. While not everyone agrees with every article published in the magazine, it remains an important documentary record of our changing attitudes towards sex, gender, and beauty over time. As we move into an increasingly digital age where physical magazines are becoming less commonplace, it will become even more valuable as a source of information on our cultural history. In conclusion, Gallery's archive provides an intriguing window into how society has changed its views on sex, gender, and appearance over decades. Its evolution reflects the complexities of these concepts that have been debated since ancient times.