In this visual research project, I explored the fascinating world of sex shop fronts and their window displays.
Researched and developed by Martin Xing
Part of the 2020 Visual Research class at SVA's MFA Visual Narrative program at the School of Visual Arts
All three shops I found are only a block away from the SVA west school buildings and they all exist on the same block. Please click on the building that you find most interesting to see some details about it.
The Blue Store might not have the most interesting or intriguing names for a sex shop but it has pretty cool window displays with all the neon signs. It is a sight you have to see with your own eyes, at night. It is a shop catered to gay men but has a variety of product.
Purple Passion is most noticeable because of its display window padded in pink and the wild scenario it will put on display in the window. The store specializes in BDSM/kink product and costumes. You can even witness the creation of a leather gear live inside of the store.
Visit their website if you're interest in what they have in store.
Vibe 212 is a more of a boutique than a sex shop in the traditional sense. You can find seasonal fashion items in the front part of the store, but behind the curtain that separate the front from the back, you will see a kinky side of the store. The Einstein mural around the corner of the store is also very cool.
Visit their website if you're interest in what they have in store.
I had a lot of fun making this project. It is interesting to see the difference from shop to shop in their appearances, style and their product. I wish I have an opportunity to take to the shop owners or salesperson, or see what kind of people go to each shop to make the project more personal. But in a way, each of these shops is like a person, they have their own interests, expertises and looks.
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