"Size 5 and 1/2" by Erica Mckeehen

Archival Photographic Print

19'' by 13''

In color and black and white photographs, Secret Mermaid portrays some of the unseen labors and self-taught abilities behind creating and sustaining the magic of sexual fantasies. My friend and fellow burlesque performer Secret Mermaid (stage name) shares her experiences as a go-go dancer, fetish model, content creator, and full-service sex worker. Together, we work intuitively to visualize facets of her life.

“Sex work” is an umbrella term for the exchange of a variety of sexual services, performances, or products for compensation—nuanced, like all industries—yet photographic history is inundated with reductive depictions of workers and clients. Specifically, strippers, escorts, and street workers are most often photographed, reinforcing misconceptions that only these occupations qualify as sex work. As subjects, sex workers are traditionally pictured anonymously, crudely, or as victims.

Shipping and taxes applied at checkout. Local pickup in Chicago available. A member of our team will contact you to coordinate local pickup if selected.