(Image source unknown but was titled “Entertainment Center”)
The artist was a magnet for controversy. His latest sculpture, “The Perfect Woman”, featured a female mannequin, naked and gagged, bound to a chair with nylon rope. Her legs were spread wide, feet above her head, orifices open and available. Balanced on the bottoms of her high heels was a flat-panel television playing the Super Bowl. A six-pack of imported beer sat between her legs.
The reporter bristled at the misogynistic display. The artist’s reputation was well-deserved. She tried to hide her disgust, but at the same time she couldn’t deny his talent. The sculpting was flawless, the face so lifelike. “What materials did you use?” she asked.
As she spoke, the mannequin stirred. (114)
-Jack
I first took a look at the prompt photo on Tuesday and was somewhat disturbed by it. I’ve been around the block, as it were, but this isn’t exactly my thing. I have nothing against BDSM, though neither Jill or I practice it; what squicks me about this picture is that it seems to be telling the viewer that this is what men want: A sexually available woman who doesn’t speak or move, one who lives primarily to facilitate beer-drinking and football-watching. And while perhaps some men do want exactly this, I prefer a woman who has opinions and voices them (and for that matter whose mouth is accessible), who is able to move her arms whether during sex or otherwise, and who can join me for a day of beer-drinking and football-watching.
Perhaps I’m reading too much into this; while it isn’t my thing, I wasn’t offended by the picture. I have absolutely no problem with consensual degradation, which is I’m sure what the picture depicts. But the image was so unappealing to me that I put this week’s Flash Fiction Friday out of my mind and didn’t return to the prompt until Thursday night, as though hoping that by then it might be replaced by a more workable image.
I spent about ten minutes trying to develop an idea in my mind, taking into account the word limit and the mandatory phrase “so lifelike”. Once I came up with the idea – that of an art reporter examining the latest work by an eccentric sculptor with a penchant for misogyny – writing the actual story was fairly simple. The word limit didn’t prove problematic, and when my first draft appeared to be quickly approaching the limit a couple small trims reined in the story. Had I about thirty additional words I would have shown the interaction between the artist and the female reporter in greater depth, perhaps demonstrating his insecurity, or possibly showing that his supposed misogyny is a put-on.
I am pleased with what I came up with for this week’s Flash Fiction Friday. I suspect that my story, cooked up at the last minute in about an hour, is far from original. I’m also guessing that the twist – the reveal that the sculpture is a living, breathing woman – will be predicted by more than a few readers. In fact, I am curious to see how many of my fellow bloggers wrote something similar.
If you’d like to take part in the fun, or see who else participated this week, check out Erotic Flash Fiction Friday.
great job with this photo prompt. i liked the way you ended story by letting readers know that she was real. happy fff!
I had the same ambivalence as you, Jack. But you moved past it and I just moved on. Good work!
By the way, to all my fellow occasional Flash Fiction Friday bloggers, I’m back with a relaunch after Blogger deleted my original blog – “What is a Man?”. My reco – get off Blogger. I lost 250 posts, 700 images on Picasa and my Gmail account, all with no explanation, no recourse, never any response to my appeal.
I’m disturbed by that image on so many levels and in so many ways, I can’t even begin. However, I’m all about live and let live. I don’t practice or even understand BDSM, but if someone gets off on being humiliated and mistreated and someone else gets off on humiliating and mistreating others, have at it.
Your tenacity and creativity is admirable; I probably would’ve had to this week.
Sounds like you had the same issues with the photo that I did. Definitely NOT my cup of tea. That said, you did a great job. An interview with an artist… Scary part is we have an arse like that in our community. He doesn’t exploit women, but he is a real con. Once again, well done.
good stuff…i just cant seem to come up with that creative of a story for a photo like that.
I like the idea that there is a question whether the model is real or created. Great take.
Happy FFF
Quirky, funny photo. I like your take A LOT. The build up to create the surprise ending was fun.
I am not offended by the photo. I am a feminist. I like some impact play, specifically spanking, a little restraint–BDSM lite if you will. I do not like humiliation or degradation, which can be a part of BDSM for those who want it. I see humor and creativity in the photo because of the context.
-H
P.S. I would NEVER want to be bound like that cuz it does not turn me on, make me happy or enhance anything for me.
I like your take on the picture. Eventually I hope to be brave enough to take Flash Fiction Friday on, I am just not there yet.
Although I am beginning to think it may be easier for me then Wank Wednesday as the visual helps.