IntimaSpace Gallery Fall Show: Bodies Un/Bound
IntimaSpace, a newly launched sex therapy space and gallery in the heart of Seattle’s Westlake neighborhood, is breaking boundaries by creating a safe and welcoming environment for discussions about sex and the showcasing of provocative art. Founded by Kristin Cherry Jackson, a licensed therapist specializing in sex and relationships, Intima is designed to be a sanctuary for both personal exploration and artistic expression.
The IntimaSpace location doubles as an exclusive gallery where works from 5-10 artists are on display, with a diverse array of media including paintings, sculpture, fiber art, and more. These collections push the envelope of what is typically accepted in public art spaces, allowing for a deeper connection between the viewer and the often-taboo themes presented.
The art collections at IntimaSpace are carefully selected by Seattle-based artist and curator Kierstan Craft, who brings her keen eye and deep understanding of boundary-pushing art to each collection.
The collections are rotated quarterly, providing fresh perspectives and new artistic voices throughout the year. At the beginning of each quarter, the gallery opens to the public for a limited time, offering a rare opportunity to experience these provocative works outside of the private showings reserved for clients. Outside of this quarterly public showing, viewing the art at IntimaSpace is available to clients by appointment.
“Intima is about creating a space where people can have honest, open conversations about sex without judgment,” says Kristin Cherry Jackson. “We wanted to offer a unique artistic space centered on the themes of emotion, connection, identity, and eroticism. Erotic art is often something more traditional galleries shy away from. In a therapeutic space focused on talking about sexual concerns, I wanted to include evocative pieces that encourage self-reflection.”
The pieces Kierstan selects for display at IntimaSpace often challenge societal norms. The art reflects a wide array of perspectives, incorporating varied cultural contexts and challenging traditional messages about sex, relationships, and identity. Exhibits often include figurative art that is inclusive of a range of representations of body types, genders and sexualities.
The range of art at Intima sometimes touches on edgier sexual interests, such as kink and BDSM. The fall exhibit, “Bodies Un/Bound” premieres October 10, 2024 with a showing open to the public. Un/Bound will include pieces depicting practices including shibari (the Japanese art of rope bondage), as well as pieces making statements about self-image, sex work, and the process of making erotic art. This inclusion aims to foster a deeper understanding and dialogue about these often-taboo subjects.
A former sex educator and tantra coach who is now licensed as a couple and family therapist, Kristin focuses her therapy practice on sex and relationship therapy. She works with individuals, couples, and multi-partner relationship configurations. She specializes in helping clients overcome sexual dysfunction and shame—especially issues stemming from religious “purity culture” often encountered in branches of Christianity. She also focuses on helping non-monogamous clients navigate the emotional complexities of open relationships, polyamory, and other forms of consensual non-monogamy.
As the gallery is open to clients only, Kristin offers art-inspired intimacy coaching sessions at IntimaSpace for those who are not interested in a traditional course of therapy. A coaching session is a casual, fun conversation limited to a client’s current curiosities and concerns around sex, relationships, and well-being. It blends personal reflection with the emotional resonance of art, providing a unique and immersive experience for clients. As clients browse the gallery, Kristin engages them with insightful questions designed to uncover their unconscious reactions to each piece. This process opens the door to deeper conversations about emotions and desires, paving the way for meaningful exploration and understanding. Art coaching sessions are open to individuals, couples, and groups.
At IntimaSpace, clients will discover a place that is both welcoming and eclectic. Situated in an historic building on the east slope of Queen Anne Hill, the space is thoughtfully designed for its multiple purposes. Seating on two levels is tailored for the comfort of both gallery guests and coaching and therapy clients. Kristin also uses the Intima space to host support groups, with two groups for parents of transgender and gender-expansive youth starting in September.
To learn more about IntimaSpace, schedule an appointment, or inquire about Kristin’s therapy services, please visit www.intimatherapy.com or contact [email protected].
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