The Myth of Sexual Loss

The Myth of Sexual Loss is based upon the photographic exploration of the ageing sexual body. The work explores and challenges the ideology surrounding sexuality and the fear of the ageing body that exists within our society. The overall approach is one of intimacy and sensitivity towards the subject, whilst aiming to develop an aesthetic style which does not sensationalise and respects the integrity and privacy of the subject.

The idea for the project emerged when Brett was working as a nurse caring for the elderly, and realised whilst talking to the patients that intimacy and sensuality are very personal and individual matters. Brett states: “We all have our passions and desires, which stay with us until death. As a nurse, I had the opportunity to mix with people aged from sixty to ninety. This experience provided invaluable research, it enabled me to see what the later years of life look like. It prepared me, as a photographer, to throw down the visual gauntlet to the myths that accompany sex and the elderly.”

The visual structure of each image creates an integral element in the reading of the work. Using a tight frame the subjects are made to become more intense, yet calm, and at some points disorientating to the viewer. Therefore, the onlooker is intrigued by the significance that the image presents, and then subjected to the implications of the outer margins that each piece considers.

The body of work was selected for major photography events, touring nationally as well as internationally. These include National Museum Cardiff, Mois de la Photo Montreal, Krakow Photomonth.