You are invited to Dekatur Club Saturday September 15, 7pm for the Lecture "The Trouble with Sex” by Dr Deborah Berry and the "99c Dream" Performance by Virginie Sommet.(Donation $5)
"The Trouble with Sex."
Throughout the world and in all of history we humans have considerable trouble with sex. From rape and sexual slavery through to internet porn ‘addiction’ and the young adult ‘hook up culture’ the destructive aspects of sex have a few common roots in the qualities of lust and how it effects us. Sex, love and lust are inherently conflicted, not only in our experience but also most probably in our biology.
What is lust? How is desire formed? Why are men so often dominant and why do they objectify women? Why is power an aphrodisiac? Why do women sometimes objectify themselves and find power and pleasure in being the object of desire? Why are domination, and objectification sometimes sexy?
Sex is a powerful drive that can alter judgment and personality. Power, domination and subordination are aphrodisiacs, and moments of objectification, and even self-objectification are often essential for the pleasure of lust. These experiences are not in need of a cure, they need more honest understanding and responsible appraisal. Sexual arousal emanates largely from the more primitive parts of our brain. Lust has qualities that are inherently problematic, and lust and love often collide. Lust arises partially from the more primitive brain regions, and Love emanates from the brain system that evolved with mammals, the limbic system.
Deborah Berry Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice in New York City.
Deborah is certified as a Sex Therapist by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT).
She is a graduate of the New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy.
Deborah has given many lectures at professional organizations including the American Psychological Association and the New York University Postdoctoral Program.
She held appointments as Clinical Instructor of Psychiatry as teacher and supervisor in three NYC hospitals: Mt Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center, NYU Langone & Bellvue Hospital, and Yeshiva University Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Her doctoral dissertation research examined gender and erotic orientation in women.
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Art Performance "99c DREAM”
by Virginie Sommet.
“99c Dream”
A dress worn and made by the artist out of girls
wedding toys bought from the 99c Store.
Virginie Sommet.
She has been active in the New York City art scene for the past 16 years.She is a conceptual artist with strong Pop underpinning. Her focus has been on creating sculptures, installations/collages from familiar objects in our culture that reflect a wide range of uncertainties regarding social issues. Sommet is driven to visually tackle challenging topics that examine societal constraints. The attention is on matters that separate individuals related to gender and various urban subculture issues. She is vigilant and dedicated in spreading awareness of this topic to mainstream viewers.
Virginie completed her BFA and MFA in Conceptual Art at University Paris VIII in 1997. This University is rooted in activism, and was also where Michel Foucault taught and headed the Philosophy Department. In 1998, this artist left Paris and moved to New York, where she primarily exhibits her work to this day.
Sommet was organizing Art Salons in her Chinatown studio and created an Art Collective of 13 artists.The exhibitions of the collective were usually once a month. In addition to being the curator at the Art Salon and collective exhibitions, Sommet participated in numerous international art fairs, solo and group shows. Including her last group show with Andy Warhol works, Takashi Murakami and many others at the Kate Shin Gallery in 2014.
She also wrote and published a book called “Only in New York, Darling!” written in French and English. The book is about creative underground life in New York City. It was very well received by international press.
Sommet’s creativity and ability to take risks have enabled her Art Salons and exhibitions to flourish. She has been successful in providing visibility for her and invited artists’ work. Although, Sommet is managing a dual role as an artist and curator, she is committed to creating art that is sociologically and aesthetically provocative.
In addition to her various exhibitions and Art Salons, her work is in private collections of President Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Susan Sarandon,Terry Georges, Daniel Py and Anderson Cooper.
-DEKATUR CLUB ’s Dress Code:
Dress Fabulous!
No Casual, Be Bold !
As much as you can! :)
-DONATION OF $5 at the Door.(Eris at the Door).
-You Have to bring Your Own Bottle:
Champagne, Prosecco or White wine.
Please Do Not Bring Red Wine, Thanks .
It is too risky for my Grand-Parents’ antique chairs :)
Saturday September 15 ’s schedule:
-From 7- 8.30 pm: Cocktail, people arrival.
-At 8.30 pm: “The trouble with Sex” Lecture by Dr Deborah Berry and “99c Dream”Performance by Virginie Sommet.
-From 10-12 pm: Cocktail and mingling.
We will be happy to see you!
Please RSVP to this email.
(This is mandatory, Eris is at the door with the RSVP list)
Thanks.
Virginie.
Dekatur Club’s Founder