„PAINGAINER.biz“ is the intriguing prelude to a new cycle of works by artists Patrick Alan Banfield and Mimi Kohler. It is an expressive advertising poster that marks the coming artistic path and prepares the viewer for the future production of a physical artwork in the form of a metal butt plug with spikes and barbs.

This cycle of works aims to explore the multi-layered terrain of human sexuality, touching on contemporary issues of gender relations, dominance, submission and BDSM sexuality. The metal butt plug, which is still in the production phase, promises to become a lively focal point of this discussion, serving as both a utilitarian object and an aesthetic object of contemplation.

In its dual function, however, the butt plug also represents the universal human dilemma between pleasure and death. The possible use of the butt plug can have fatal consequences and confronts the user with the choice between ultimate pleasure and potential death.

This dilemma powerfully reflects Sartre’s concept of the fear of freedom. The decision for or against the butt plug confronts the individual with the terrible fear and at the same time with the irresistible fascination that comes from ultimate freedom – the freedom to make a choice that could radically change or even end one’s life.

The poster „PAINGAINER.biz“ invites the viewer to embark on an artistic journey of reflection on freedom, desire and danger. It is not only a strong visual opening by Banfield and Kohler, but also a provocation that encourages reflection and discussion about human sexuality and existence.

After Banfield and Kohler’s poster installation ‚PAINGAINER.biz‘ had been exhibited several times in the Stuttgart area of southern Germany, it began to become clear what the announced new series of works would actually look like. A 3D model was created by Nicolas C. Geissler, but 3D printing, like bronze casting, was postponed.

The first three „Buttplug“ sculptures were gradually created in classic clay ceramics. They are objects based on oversized anal sex toys, but with spikes in the form of barbs and thorns. Even though the butt plugs seem to have a utilitarian character at first glance, they are in fact about whether or not they remain merely visual objects. Life or death?


Installation view
KUNSTBEZIRK STUTTGART Stuttgart, Germany „RAUSCH“,
30.06.2023 – 08.07.2023
https://www.kunstbezirk-stuttgart.de/ausstellungsarchiv-seit-2021/
(curated by Lili Weiss)