Arse Elektronika Conference Examines Sex, Society, Science Fiction

SAN FRANCISCO — Vienna-based culture/technology group monochrom will host a weekend-long Arse Elektronika conference titled "Do Androids Sleep with Electric Sheep? Critical Perspectives on Sexuality and Pornography in Science and Social Fiction" in San Francisco, to be held Sept. 25-28.

Expanding on the 2007 Arse Elektronika conference, also held in San Francisco, the group and attendees will explore themes of post modernist culture, society, technology, science fiction, philosophy, sexuality, pornography and areas where all of the topics collide to form a dynamic discussion, as well as explore futuristic themes.

The panels and discussions will include “questions of science, research and technologization [sic] are of interest, as is the complex surrounding urbanism, artificiality, and control [or the loss of control],” according to the event’s organizers.

“Depictions of the future, regardless of the form they take, always address the present as well,” the group said in a statement. “Imaginations of the fantastic and the nightmarish give rise to a thematic overlapping of the exotic, the alienating and, of course, the pornographic/sexual, as well.”

Speakers will include:

  • M. Christian — an acknowledged master of erotica
  • Daniel Fabry — researcher, lecturer and artist in the fields of media and interaction design
  • Richard Kadrey — novelist, freelance writer and photographer
  • Verena Kuni — researcher, lecturer and writer in the field of art and media cultures
  • Isaac Leung — artist, curator and researcher whose work focuses on art, technology and sexuality
  • Susan Mernit — a BlogHer contributing editor on sex and relationships
  • Kit O'Connell — author of science fiction and erotica
  • Jens Ohlig — long-time activist at the Chaos Computer Club in Germany
  • Carol Queen, Ph.D. — founding director of the Center for Sex and Culture
  • Bonni Rambatan — independent cultural researcher, theorist and blogger
  • Thomas Roche — a writer of more than 400 published short stories of erotic fiction, crime and speculative fiction
  • Bonnie Ruberg — sex and games journalist for The Village Voice and Forbes.com
  • Rudy Rucker — computer scientist, science fiction author and a founder of the cyberpunk literary movement
  • Viviane — a NYC-based librarian, sex nerd and blog mentor
  • On Sept. 25, the Arse Electronika Awards will be presented at an opening night event. The awards will recognize achievement in the areas of teledildonics, orgasmotrons and sex machines.

    The conference will be held at CELLspace, located at 2050 Bryant Street, in San Francisco. Attendees must be 21-and-over.

    Ticket prices range between $8 for attendance to the conference’s opening night event, to $20 for a single day pass and $40 for all three days. Tickets can be purchased at the Arse Elektronika website.

    The Arse Electronika conference has been scheduled to coincide with Leather Pride week, as well as the Folsom Street Fair, which takes place in San Francisco on Sept. 28.

    Related:  

    Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
    Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

    More News

    Satisfyer 'Pro 2 Gen 3' Named Best Clitoral Suction Product by Wired

    Wired Magazine has named the Satisfyer Pro 2 Gen 3 Air Pulse Toy the best overall clitoral suction product.

    Leading Conservative Think Tank Slams 5th Circuit for Upholding Texas Age Verification Law

    Leading conservative think tank the American Enterprise Institute has published an opinion piece penned by one of its senior fellows criticizing the 5th Circuit endorsement of Texas’ controversial age verification law.

    Nobü Unveils 'Nöri' Couples Kit

    Nobü has introduced its new Nöri couples kit.

    OpenAI Shuts Down AI-Generated Porn Rumors

    A spokesperson for OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has shut down online chatter about how a rumored relaxation of the company’s stance against AI-generated NSFW content may result in a lifting of its porn ban.

    Gun Oil Taps Chris Rail for Brand Ambassador Role

    Personal lubricant brand Gun Oil has tapped content creator Chris Rail for the role of global ambassador.

    Eldorado to Host 'Virtual Elevation' Webinar With CalExotics

    Eldorado Trading is hosting a private "Virtual Elevation" live webinar for retailers with CalExotics Executive Director of Sales and Retail Lupe Martinez and Sales Associate Annie Meza, Tuesday May 14 at 10 a.m. (PDT).

    Former Trump Staffer, Project 2025 Advisor John McEntee Predicts a Total Porn Ban

    John McEntee, senior advisor to the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 and a former key figure in the Trump administration, is predicting an eventual full ban on pornography, claiming that once it is enacted, “this country will flourish.”

    India in Focus: A Look at the Region's Budding Pleasure Market

    Rich in culture and steeped in tradition, India has contributed some of the world’s most important and enduring art and literature — including classic depictions and examinations of sex and sexuality, most notably the Kama Sutra.

    Oxballs Debuts 'Core' Ballstretcher

    Oxballs has introduced its new Core ballstretcher sleeve.

    XR Brands Unveils 2 New Dildos From 'Creature Cocks' Line

    XR Brands has released the Raptor Claw and Demon Claw fisting silicone dildos from its Creature Cocks line.

    Show More