UJ
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What does intimacy appear like for seniors? While youth is often depicted in an array of sexual scenes and heated moments, popular culture tends to overlook or trivialize sexual expression for older adults.
In an effort to change this narrative, artist Marilyn Minter assembled a group of individuals aged 70 and older in her New York studio last year, aiming to highlight a less visible facet of sexuality and relationships. Through vibrant, expressive photographs, these seniors pose in lingerie or briefs, embracing, kissing, and enjoying intimate moments, challenging societal taboos surrounding their sexuality.
“There’s a prevalent disdain for elder sexuality. One of my models even asked, ‘Who would want to see this?’” Minter shared during a video interview with UJ.
“My main thought was that we are trailblazers,” she continued regarding the unapologetically sensual context. “There has never been an affectionate and elegant portrayal of elderly individuals. My aim was to render them exceptionally desirable.”
Some of the images from this series were published in the New York Times Magazine, alongside a candid editorial on seniors’ sex lives. Minter is now releasing the complete series in her upcoming book “Elder Sex” and showcasing them at the LGDR gallery in New York. This exhibition, which debuted in April, is her first solo showcase in the city since the Brooklyn Museum held her retrospective “Pretty/Dirty” in 2016, featuring key pieces from her impressive five-decade career along with other new works.
In “Elder Sex,” Minter employs one of her trademark styles, visible in both her hyperrealistic paintings and photographs: compositions rich in jewel tones, cropped closely to reveal glistening bodies, almost as if viewed through a foggy glass mirror. Yet, despite being a pioneering artist celebrated by figures like Lady Gaga and Lizzo, Minter found it challenging to recruit actual couples for participation.
“We aimed to feature all races and various types of sexual relationships,” Minter explained. “However, it was quite challenging to find models. As a 74-year-old, I reached out to friends in diverse relationships, including mixed-race and same-sex couples, but none wanted to participate.”
Ultimately, Minter cast actors along with a few participants willing to model. She creatively paired individuals in her studio and photographed them through frozen glass to achieve the desired steamy aesthetic without needing to contend with the ephemeral nature of steam. During their sessions, Minter’s models, some as old as 89, expressed that they still enjoyed active and satisfying sex lives. Their views echoed those of seniors interviewed for the New York Times Magazine article, who shared insights about deeper connections with their partners as they age and adapting to their evolving physical needs.
Minter suggests that sexual liberation in later life presents a unique freedom that can take many years to achieve.
“When you’re younger, sex tends to be more about performance compared to when you’re 80,” she stated. For older individuals, “There’s a shift to an acceptance of self. You think, ‘This is who I am. Take it or leave it. I’m here to enjoy myself without any pretense.’”
Minter recognizes that the intersection of sexuality and self-image poses challenges for women of all ages — older women are seldom regarded as possessing intimate needs, while younger women navigate their sexual agency with great care, often facing societal backlash.
“At 25, there’s significant anxiety surrounding young women declaring their own sexual empowerment — it’s a dread for many,” she remarked.
Nevertheless, Minter perceives a positive shift in representation regarding who is celebrated as desirable on screen, reflecting wider cultural changes about sexuality. She cited a comparison made in People magazine between characters from “The Golden Girls” and “Sex and the City,” emphasizing that while they are of the same age, their portrayals in the latter series have evolved significantly. “The 50s look vastly different in the 2020s!” the article caption noted.
Although “The Golden Girls” tackled themes of romance and intimacy — and was recognized for its progressive stance during its time — there remains a striking difference in the representation of women in their 50s between these two shows.
“I reflected, ‘Here’s why the differences exist,’” she stated. “Firstly, people today live longer and lead healthier lives… Secondly, there’s the introduction of Viagra.” Minter chuckled, adding, “But who retires at 54 to a retirement home in Florida with three other ladies? What a notion!”
Minter hopes “Elder Sex” will not only provide a vital visual reference showcasing what intimacy can look like in later life, but will also resonate with individuals who feel their desires and experiences are neglected.
“It grants permission to those who feel ashamed of their sexual desires,” Minter remarked. “I want this series to empower them to explore those feelings and let go of the shame.”
“Elder Sex,” published by JBE Books, is now available.
