YOU&ME: A SERIES OF FIRST TIMES

In a Bush Behind Gateway

From June to December 2011, Skullboy collected the stories of anonymous participants' sexual debuts - the circumstances, scenarios, emotions, celebrations and tragedies of how they came to lose their virginity. This was done via small forms left with drop boxes in clubs and bathroom stalls, focusing on the +- 18 to 35 alternative crowd who would most likely frequent the clubs surveyed.

You&Me (formerly known as the Cherry Poppin' Project) is a revised collection of 100 stories from anonymous participants about their 'first times'. From the 300+ collected accounts, 100 have been chosen and rendered as small artworks.

“The aim of this exercise is two-fold. Firstly, to capture a glimpse into the reality of the state and practice of sex in our modern day society. Secondly, to create a healthy dialogue about sex in reality without the baggage of religion, media, television and moral decorum,” says Skullboy. “Through the accounts of others and the re-telling of our own stories, we realise the similarities between us and our peers. Through this communal discussion, we destroy the unrealistic expectations of sex set by society and ourselves and strip such a significant event of any shame, pressure or sense of failure and accept the event for what it was, whether good or bad.”

You&Me: A Series of First Times runs at the Mezzanine Gallery at the KZNSA until September 9. The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1703, fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za

NB: Skullboy's exhibition is recommended PG18.