Throughout the 1970s, Jimmy DeSana created theatrical, often comic photographs related to his sexual S-M experiences. ⁠ ⁠ Like other artists in his circle, such as @lauriesimmons and @aa_bronson, he parodied advertising and fashion photography, as well as the disciplinary nature of heteronormativity and consumerism in the United States. He eventually published some of these photographs in his first book, Submission (1980), which included an introduction by the punk icon William Burroughs.⁠ ⁠ The photographs in this series typically feature nude, masked individuals eccentrically interacting with domestic interiors and objects. DeSana staged most images in his studio or the homes of friends and family. He used his signature lighting to create a heightened sense of drama and horror, calling attention to the images’ artifice. DeSana later observed: “I was trying to push sexuality to the limit. As long as I could come up with an idea that related to bizarre sexuality and still make an interesting statement about a product, the photo was successful for me.”⁠ ⁠ 📷 Jimmy DeSana (American, 1949–1990). Sofa, 1977–78. Gelatin silver print, 6 1/2 × 9 1/2 in. (16.5 × 24.1 cm). Courtesy of the Jimmy DeSana Trust and P·P·O·W Gallery, New York. © Estate of Jimmy DeSana. (Photo: Allen Phillips)