Ambiguous Allure

Ambiguous Allure is a collection of photographs representing individual sexuality. Each subject is depicted in their “sexiest” environment - both in pose and attire. Our goal is to convey that sexy should not be a male dominated word, and no one should feel compelled to give in to a Playboy-esque version of sexy. We (male, female, and any where in between) have the right to feel attractive and confident however we want - so take sexy back - where what you want and do what you want. But our bodies are not sexual objects, we choose when to make them sexual. Minimal clothing does not equal sex. We can be as sexy as we want, however we want, for whoever we want.

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Virginity, n.

The state or condition of a virgin or chaste woman; chastity, as the natural or normal condition of an unmarried woman; maidenhood. Also, a condition affording presumption of chastity; spinsterhood

A virgin or unmarried woman

The state of being virgin, fresh, or new

"virginity, n." OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2016. Web. 24 April 2016. 

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Violet II.

“Believing in virginity is a little like only believing in whole numbers; there are important in-between steps to be considered in any progression of any sort in life...Believing in the concept of virginity is to accept this notion that there is something unsure about sexually active individuals, and that’s just not the case”

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Violet I. 

“I suppose traditional sex is penetration, and I think that holds up pretty well even in modern context. Sexy, however, seems to get a little more complicated...The word sexy wasn’t created to constrain women, it became part of the english language simply to convert the emotion of finding or feeling someone (including yourself) attractive and alluring. What makes you feel alluring and what makes the subject of your affection find you alluring might not always align, but that does not invalidate either party’s image of sexy”

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Sex, v.

To identify as male or female; esp. to determine the sex of (an animal, an individual from skeletal remains, etc.) by examination.

To have sexual intercourse

To arouse (a person) sexually

"sex, v." OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2016. Web. 24 April 2016.

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Chris II. 

Virginity: A useless concept that only makes people feel worth less than they are

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Chris I. 

Sex: The intimate and sexual actions between two people that make up the experience of “sex”

Sexy: Whatever is desirable to you in others or yourself

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Virgin, n. and adj.

An unmarried or chaste maiden or woman, distinguished for piety or steadfastness in religion, and regarded as having a special place among the members of the Christian church on account of these merits.

An old maid, a spinster.

Rare

A naïve, innocent, or inexperienced person

"virgin, n. and adj." OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2016. Web. 24 April 2016.

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Etain II. 

Virginity - The idea of sexual ‘purity’ our society values, and believes can be ‘lost’ when a person (but especially significant when a woman) has sex. 

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Etain I. 

Sex - Physical intercourse between two people, penetration or oral between hetero or homosexual couples.

Sexy - The feeling or perception of in an individual (including oneself) as attractive or appealing (this can be physical or mental characteristics) 

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Sexy, adj.

Containing or characterized by explicit sexual content; erotic, risqué; bawdy, saucy.

Of a person (esp. a woman): sexually attractive or alluring; (also) sexually charged, highly sexed.

"sexy, adj." OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2016. Web. 24 April 2016.

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Hannah II. 

“I think virginity is subjective. I will differ depending on how someone identifies their sexual identity”

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Hannah I. 

Sex - An intimate physical experience with another person.

Sexy - Feeling good and happy about how you look and about you’re doing.

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Virgin History

Most historians agree that ‘virginity’ became valued in society when humans transitioned from a hunter gatherer society to an agricultural one. With rising pressure placed on land ownership and possession, men needed to pass on their homes and fields to a son they could guarantee was theirs. Determining paternity was nearly impossible, so husbands demanded the assurance that before them their wives had been pure. Virginity was not only pushed by men as a patriarchal power move, women encouraged it as well. By being able to ensure paternity to their husbands, women were guaranteed protection within their family.

Historical figures also encouraged virginity, starting with the most famous, the Virgin Mary. She represents the ultimate female, a mother untainted by male penetration. Mary was the Catholic model of purity, but in Roman culture three of the major Greek goddesses requested the right from Zeus to remain virgins. Athena, Artemis, and Hestia devoted their lives to their crafts eliminating any submission to male sexuality. While these women were intended to inspire and encourage women, they established an unattainable ideal. For both physical and financial security women needed to marry and produce heirs for their husbands. Just like girls today look up to the supermodels in Vogue, men and women alike looked towards religious figures for guidance, encouraging the developing fetishization of virgins.