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Corpses Having Sex Sparks Uproar

Popular traveling exhibit of bodies triggers new controversy

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted May 7, 2009 3:15 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A controversial traveling exhibit of preserved bodies has sparked a storm of controversy with a new addition of corpses having sex, reports the Guardian. "It's not meant to be sexually stimulating," said creator Gunther von Hagens, who opens the Berlin exhibit to the public today. German politicians and church members have demanded the couple be removed, calling the display pornographic and an insult to the dead.

"This couple is simply over the top, and it shouldn't be shown," said a member of parliament. Von Hagens developed a plasticizing method to preserve corpses by replacing fat and water deposits with silicon, which hardens. His displays of bodies include a pregnant woman, and corpses running, playing chess and horseback-riding. His exhibits have been enmeshed in several controversies, including accusations that he obtained bodies from prison and mental institutions without family approval.

Gunther von Hagens, the created of the new body exhibit, says the display is not intended to be sexually stimulating.
Gunther von Hagens, the created of the new body exhibit, says the display is not intended to be "sexually stimulating."   (BodyWorlds)
This is one of the exhibits in creator Gunther von Hagens popular, but often controversia, exhibits of plasticized corpses.
This is one of the exhibits in creator Gunther von Hagens popular, but often controversia, exhibits of plasticized corpses.   (BodyWorlds)
Gunther von Hagens' exhibits show corpses in a variety of poses, including playing sports.
Gunther von Hagens' exhibits show corpses in a variety of poses, including playing sports.   (BodyWorlds)
Horseback riding in the corpse exhibit.
Horseback riding in the corpse exhibit.   (BodyWorlds)
Scene from a BodyWorlds exhibit.
Scene from a BodyWorlds exhibit.   (BodyWorlds)
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Body Worlds at the San Diego Natural History Museum. The Gymnast and The Baseball Player.   (cooljuno411)
Gunther von Hagens examines a body.   (passnetwork)

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 12 comments
Shannonals
May 8, 2009 8:35 AM CDT
Artist are very strange
laslow
May 8, 2009 3:16 AM CDT
This dude is the Re-Animator
DeniseVB
May 8, 2009 1:56 AM CDT
I saw the one in NYC, absolutely fascinating. The preservation process truly takes you inside one of the greatest works of art....the human body. It's a little gruesome at first, and I remember the rooms being icy cold, like a morgue would be? Also, there were protesters that day, as the bodies came from executed Chinese prisoners they claimed. Sort of made me sad to know that, if true. I highly recommend seeing any exhibit if it comes near you! It's quite educational.

Wiki background on von Hagens
Wikipedia

Medical porn rap for von Hagens
Sun (UK)

Everything you need to know about platicized corpses
BodyWorlds

 
Germany • Berlin • corpse • pornography • sex • Grey's Anatomy • bodies • Gunther von Hagens • exhibition

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