# Erotic Victorian-Inspired Portraits Art History by Genevieve Blais Critiques Today's Societies By Meghan Young | Published 2013-04-24 | Naughty Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-history-by-genevieve-blais References: [beautifuldecay](http://beautifuldecay.com/2013/04/23/photographs-that-borrow-from-history-to-critique-sexual-politics/) & [genevieveblais](http://www.genevieveblais.com/) Art History by Genevieve Blais, a photographer hailing from Toronto, Canada, is a photo series revolving around [portraits inspired by the Victorian era](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-portraits). Nevertheless, these aren't the typical stuffy oil paintings of paupers and princes. Instead, they have been [eroticized](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toy-stories) to appeal to today's society. The artist writes, "The aesthetic/topical dissonance aims to elicit an uneasy response in order to subvert the implicit authority and sanctity of the icon.” In a way. Art History by Genevieve Blais seduces viewers through the ostentatious aesthetic of antiquated paintings in order to encourage them to address "grotesque underlying themes such as [sexuality, gender roles, taboo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dirty-looks) and the power dynamics situated therein." A thought-provoking series, to say the least, it is in line with Blais' overall tendency to explore "the female body throughout western visual cultural traditions." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Naughty](https://www.trendhunter.com/naughty) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Erotic Victorian-inspired Portraits:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the intersection of traditional Victorian art with contemporary themes of sexuality and gender roles. - **Art History:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate historical art styles and techniques into contemporary photography to create visually striking and thought-provoking pieces. - **Exploration of Taboo Topics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Challenge societal norms and provoke critical discussions by addressing uncomfortable and controversial subjects through art. ### Where This Applies - **Photography:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Push the boundaries of traditional photography by blending historical inspiration with modern concepts and themes. - **Art and Culture:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Foster a dialogue on societal issues and provoke social change through artistic expression and exploration of taboo subjects. - **Gender and Sexuality Studies:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Use art to challenge existing narratives and perceptions surrounding gender roles, sexuality, and power dynamics in society. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sexuality-Exploring Artful Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rude-arts-club.md) - [Glamorous Artful Bronze Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-jane.md) - [Raunchy Anime-Inspired Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manuela-soto-sosa.md) - [Generative AI Historical Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-selfie-2.md) - [Boundary-Pushing Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/briony-douglas-1.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Sex-Positive Art Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carne-bollente-3.md) - [Artist-Inspired Chocolate Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beatrice-wood.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md)