ICA is closed from the 30 May – 3 June inclusive.
Though sexual categories proliferate, and the old moralisms around monogamy continue to fray, there are few offline spaces in which to discuss sex and desire. From sex scandals and dating apps to cottagecore and cruising, what does it mean to talk about sex and desire in the contemporary moment? And what might art, literature and contemporary culture tell us about how our desires are shaped?
Over six sessions, academics and writers Sita Balani and Bryony White lead a series of close readings and discussions centred on key texts in contemporary literature and culture.It’s advisable, but not mandatory, to have read the texts prior to the session. Participants are encouraged to share thoughts and feelings.
Part of the ICA 75th Anniversary Season
Bryony White is a writer and is currently Assistant Professor of Theatre and Performance studies at the University of Warwick. She has published in LA Review of Books, Elephant, frieze, TLS and The White Review.
Sita Balani is a writer and teacher living in London. She is the co-author of Empire’s Endgame: Racism and the British State (Pluto Books, 2021). Her book Deadly and Slick: The Sexual Life of Race in Britain is forthcoming with Verso in 2023. She has published in Open Democracy, Vice, Novara Media, Five Dials and The White Review.
Sexual Healing
Reading and Listening:
Esther Perel, I Don’t Mean to be Mean but …
Hannah Zeavin, Behind Closed Doors, LA Review of Books
Hannah Black, More Life, Jewish Currents
Suggested:
Esther Perel, In This Relationship What Is ‘I’ and What is ‘We’?
Ticket information
- All tickets that do not require ID (full price, disabled, income support) can be printed at home or stored in email
- For aged-based concession tickets (under 25, student and pensioner) please bring relevant ID to collect at the front desk before the event.
Tickets £5
This event takes place in the ICA Studio. The ICA studio has step-free access from the back entrance, please email access@ica.art for more information. Seating will consist of hard back chairs.
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no. 236848.