Rubbers
On view February 4, 2010
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This winter, come to the Museum of Sex and explore how one small object revolutionized contraception, protection, and everything in-between.
The Museum of Sex, in partnership with the makers of Trojan Brand Condoms is making safe sex sexy again with the launch of RUBBERS: the Life, History & Struggle of the Condom, a new exhibition detailing the provocative life of the condom. Opening on February 4, 2010, this exhibition takes a fun, functional, and fundamental look at the history and progression of the condom from a single object to its role a multidisciplinary artifact. Influencing everything from science to art to politics and religion, the condom, which has remained at the epicenter of debate since its inception, rose from its humble beginnings to become a barometer of morality and a savior in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Ribbed, flavored, and studded, condoms have undergone a monumental transformation from their early linen incarnations to being practically customizable with sizes, shapes, and textures to enhance pleasure while promoting safety. This exhibition traces the life and history of the condom from creation and quality controlled testing to its integral role in safe sex campaigns to its historical and continued status as an emblem of both promiscuity and responsibility. Simultaneously lauded for its ability to combat the transmission of deadly diseases while also condemned by some for its contraceptive qualities, the condom has become the fore runner in moral debates regarding contraception and protection. Through artifacts, art, photography, historical ephemera, and film, patrons will be able to explore the epic impact the condom has had upon our society, morality, and health.
RUBBERS features artifacts that cover the gamut from vintage photographs of sexually transmitted diseases to military signage campaigning for the sexual safety of soldiers to a wide array of antique condoms, tins, and dispensers. Highlights of the exhibition include conceptual art pieces such as the cruel condom, a condom crafted
entirely out of chainmail and covered with spikes and Franco B’s resin condom sculpture assembled from gritty used condoms taken from the floor and trash of the infamous FIST nightclub in London. The exhibition also includes the marriage of function and fashion with the inclusion of Adriana Bertini’s couture condom cocktail dress, made from 1200 hand dyed condoms and fashioned after the Valentino dresses of the 1960s, trendy and contemporary condoms from renowned designers such as Marc Jacobs, as well as “condiments,” functional salt and pepper shakers designed and molded after condoms.
Exhibition Credits:
CURATORIAL
- Sarah Forbes, Curator, Museum of Sex
- Mark Snyder, Creative Director and Director of Exhibition Design, Museum of Sex
SPONSORS
RUBBERS is sponsored in part by TROJAN® Brand Condoms. TROJAN® Brand Condoms are America’s #1 condom and have been trusted for more than 90 years. TROJAN® Brand Latex Condoms are made from premium quality latex to help reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Every condom is electronically tested to help ensure reliability. There are over 29 varieties of TROJAN® Brand Condoms. More Americans trust the TROJAN® brand than any other condom. For more information visit www.trojancondoms.com
Tickets
Adults (18+): $14.50 + tax
Students and Seniors (with valid ID): $13.50 + tax
Group Visits are also available