Erotic Illustration and Comics: A Look at Crush Magazine's Sexual Imagery
Crush is a magazine that explores erotic art through illustration, comics, and mixed media collage. It has been around since 1989 and continues to push boundaries in how we approach sexuality through visual mediums. In this article, we will explore some of the issues of Crush and analyze what makes them so unique.
The Illustration Issue
In the Illustration issue, readers are treated to images of nude women in various poses, including one of a woman laying down with a snake wrapped around her body. This image was created using pencil and color pencil and conveys a sense of mystery and sensuality. Other illustrations include an oil painting of a woman kissing another woman, a graphite drawing of a man and woman making love, and a watercolor painting of a woman lounging on a bed. The illustrations range from playful to emotional, offering readers a variety of ways to view sex and intimacy.
The Comic Strip Issue
The Comic Strip issue takes a more humorous approach to sexuality, featuring comic strips by artists such as Roberta Gregory and Diane DiMassa. These comics focus on everyday life and relationships, often touching on topics like gender roles, communication, and consent. One strip shows a woman asking her partner if they can try something new in bed, only for him to respond with "Sure, but don't expect me to like it." Another strip features two men discussing their fantasies and discovering that they have very different desires. Through these comics, readers get a glimpse into the complexities of human desire and the challenges of navigating sexuality in a healthy way.
The Mixed Media Collage Issue
The Mixed Media Collage issue takes a surreal approach to eroticism, mixing photographs with drawings and other media. One collage features a photo of a nude couple on top of a cityscape, while another combines a photo of a woman holding a whip with a sketch of a woman riding a unicorn. This issue is meant to inspire creativity and push boundaries when it comes to visualizing sexuality.
Crush is an important magazine because it allows for a wider range of expression than many mainstream publications. By exploring various mediums, it opens up conversations about how we understand and express our own desires and fantasies. It also provides a space for artists to experiment and explore taboo topics without fear of censorship or judgment.
Crush is a valuable resource for anyone interested in sex and intimacy through artistic lenses.