Supervert Essays
In addition to its books and blogs, Supervert has written a number of essays and reviews over the years. Anything about William Burroughs appears on RealityStudio. The essays on contemporary art stem mostly from the 1990s, when Supervert wrote criticism for the major New York art magazines.
Featured Essays
Horror Panegyric
"Horror Panegyric" is Supervert's essay on the Lord Horror novels of Savoy Books' David Britton and Michael Butterworth. Published in book form in 2008, the entire essay — along with excerpts from the novels — is available for free on supervert.com
Perversion and Terror
Written in the month following the terror attacks of 9/11/2001, "Perversion and Terror" ponders the role of perversion in a world of terror.
Animal Sex Machines
Bestiality (sex with animals) in the history of art and particularly in two mechanized works by contemporary artists Paul McCarthy and Mat Collishaw
Matthew Barney and Beyond
Analysis of the work of Matthew Barney — aka Bjork's husband — in terms of power, askesis, impedance, force, and sliminess
John Currin's Nudes
The nude and its paradoxes in the work of contemporary artist John Currin.
Vanessa Beecroft: Classic Cruelty
Description of the implicit cruelty that occurs when transposing classical art-making techniques to live subjects, as in the work of Vanessa Beecroft
Joel-Peter Witkin
Review of an exhibition featuring the necrotic photographs of Joel-Peter Witkin
Rudolf Schwarzkogler
Review of an exhibition documenting the sadomasochistic performances of this seminal Viennese performance artist
Rita Ackermann
Review of an exhibition featuring the nymphet works of lolita painter Rita Ackermann
More Essays on Contemporary Art »
Supervert Picks
Fuck Me Doll
Love for Queen Adreena's Katie-Jane Garside and her temporary possession by murder victim JonBenet Ramsey.
Rising Up and Rising Down
Review of William T. Vollman's attempt to forge a "moral calculus" of violence.
Collected Screenplays 1
Review of the first volume of David Cronenberg's Collected Screenplays.
Secretary
Review of director Steven Shainberg's wonderful film Secretary.
More Supervert Picks »
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