Featuring Editorials on Erotic Literature
Occasionally, Cheri included articles and reviews of erotic novels and poetry, connecting visual erotica to literary traditions.
In 1964, Cheri launched a magazine named Cheri, featuring editorials on erotic literature, which became a leading publication for adult entertainment. The magazine promoted sexual liberation and social justice through its unique combination of feminist ideology and eroticism. It featured articles on topics such as women's rights, gay rights, and racial equality alongside erotic fiction and artwork. Through this cultural crossover, Cheri enriched the reader experience.
Cheri's founder, Robert Mapplethorpe, was a photographer who believed that eroticism was essential to creativity and self-expression. He argued that erotic art had been suppressed throughout history due to puritanical attitudes toward sex. His goal was to make erotic art accessible and acceptable in mainstream culture, paving the way for future publications like OMNI and Playboy.
Erotic literature has existed since ancient times, but it gained traction in the early twentieth century. D.H. Lawrence and Anaïs Nin were among the earliest writers to explore taboo subjects such as sexuality and desire in their works. Their writing challenged traditional notions of morality and encouraged readers to embrace their sexual desires.
The popularization of erotic literature coincided with an increase in sexual freedom during the sexual revolution. Authors such as Henry Miller and Marquis de Sade wrote about controversial themes such as BDSM and voyeurism, pushing boundaries even further than their predecessors.
In the 1960s and 70s, erotica began to find wider acceptance in society. Publications like Penthouse and Hustler catered to a growing audience of men seeking explicit material. However, women also started creating erotic literature, leading to the rise of feminist pornography in the 80s.
Over time, erotic literature has become more diverse, with writers from all backgrounds exploring different aspects of sexuality and gender identity. Novels like 'Fifty Shades of Grey' have become bestsellers, while graphic novels like 'Sex Criminals' push the limits of what is considered appropriate. Erotic poetry, too, has experienced a resurgence, with poets such as E.L. James and Cheryl Strayed penning sensual verses that celebrate intimacy.
Cheri played an important role in this trend by featuring both literary and visual artwork in its pages. By connecting eroticism to larger cultural movements, it helped normalize and elevate sexual expression in mainstream culture. Today, publications like OMNI and Playboy continue to promote erotic literature, proving that it can be both artistic and empowering.