Karen Brett

British artist Karen Brett delves into the sexual imaginary of the elderly in The Myth of Sexual Loss, a six- part photographic work presented as a solo exhibition at La Centrale – Powerhouse Gallery. Working to correct the misconception that aging diminishes sexuality, Brett advertised for photographic subjects who would be willing to fantasize before her camera, alone or with a partner. The results are beautiful, highly erotic, photographic tableaux. Brett’s title intentionally echoes Nan Goldin’s The Ballad of Sexual Dependency, a photographic portrait of sexuality as young and reckless. By contrast, the desiring bodies given to Brett’s camera carry the marks of experience and wisdom.