A video of an artistic performance in Lyon has stirred up controversy due to its alleged sexual nature. The artists involved claim that they have a unique perspective as they embrace a philosophical and activist movement known as "ecosexuality," which celebrates a deep connection between humans and the environment.
The controversy arose on June 13 when Lyon's mayor, Grégory Doucet faced criticism for the city hall's plan to grant a subsidy of €1500 euros to the artistic company Lundy Grandpré.
The company was accused of exhibitionism after a video of one of their performances was shared on Twitter by Pierre Olivier, the mayor of Lyon's 2nd arrondissement. In the video, Olivier accused Doucet of "funding a spectacle involving naked individuals in a garden with sex toys, in front of children."
The following day, the France Info website clarified that the performance in question was filmed more than two years ago and was not intended for children. Additionally, the video, which depicts a naked man in a garden, does not contain any explicit sexual content. Nevertheless, the controversy had escalated to a point where Lundy Grandpré's artists were compelled to cancel several scheduled performances in Lyon over the past weekend.
In the press release, Lundy Grandpré accused its detractors of reducing the performance to tasteless pornography, but in reality, the group said, it advocates for a philosophical and activist movement known as ecosexuality. This movement emerged in the early 2000s and was founded in 2008 by American artists Elizabeth Stephens and Annie Sprinkle. Ecosexuality, or ecosex, aligns itself with ecofeminism, queer culture, and body art.
Tasting nature
One of the fundamental principles of ecosexuality is abandoning the metaphor of "Mother Earth" in favour of "Lover Earth." The movement's founders explain in their manifesto that they aim to inspire people to develop a more mutual, enjoyable, sustainable, and less destructive relationship with the environment.
The idea is simple: treat the planet with the same respect, consideration, and love as one would with a close companion. They encourage individuals to express their love for the Earth, to "taste it, smell it," and to protect it from abuse, exploitation, and harm.
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Ecosexuality explores the connections between sexuality, love and nature. It challenges the anthropocentric relationship we have with the Earth and explores the sensual experiences it can offer, such as engaging in intimate acts in natural elements like water or burying oneself naked in the sand. It encourages a profound connection with nature, even to the extent of ‘becoming one’ with a tree.
This approach reflects the essence of other movements that promote a bodily connection to the Earth through our senses. One such movement is earthing, which involves recharging oneself by absorbing the natural energy of the Earth, often by walking barefoot on the grass. Another example is "nude gardening," where individuals cultivate plants without clothing, aiming to merge with nature on a more intimate level.
