By: FERNANDA DA SILVA ABSTRACT The O-Glow is a small device that can be used by females to turn orgasms into an art show. The device is inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse, where it is then able to read your vitals, and relay that information to special smart paint created with the DNA of jellyfish, and nanotechnology that receives information from the device. When this paint is applied to walls, at the appropriate time, the room will come to life with auras of glowing colors and images. With research showing 67% of college females are faking orgasms (1), this device aims to improve this rate, giving partners visual motivation to complete their mission. CONCEPT Studies show that orgasm can send a rush of endorphins into the blood stream, resulting in happy, giddy, warm feelings (2). So why are woman faking so much? The O-Glow can be a motivational tool for couples to achieve this natural altered state of consciousness together (3), providing a unique cocoon of glowing colors to enhance the fantasy like feelings (3) people feel after achieving orgasm. CONCEPT Scientists have learned that mixing jellyfish DNA with genes can cause a glow-in-the-dark effect in animals (4). By applying this technology to paint, it can be possible to create an interior paint for walls that have the ability to glow under a black light. Combined with smart nanotechnology, this paint is able to do so much more Image (5) in Bibliography CONCEPT Nano sized electronic pearls are also present in the paint. These act as receivers from the O device that transmit your vitals, preparing the glow show to begin at just the right moment. These nano-tech-pearls also allow the colors to seem as if they come to life, moving around the room like the Aurora Borealis. Each show is unique and different, creating a new experience every time! Image (6) in Bibliography CONCEPT The O-Glow device itself works like a combination of the NuvaRing (7) and a Fuelband (8). The device is inserted into the vagina like the NuvaRing, and it is safe to use during intercourse. It has the capability to track your vitals like a Fuelband and relay that information to an App on your phone, and to the nanorecievers in the paint on your walls, so the show begins at the perfect time. Upper Image (9) Lower Image (8) CONTEXT Historical: The history of the female orgasm has been very oppressive. Since it is not needed to procreate, unlike the male orgasm, western doctors in the 1800s actually labeled female sexuality female hysteria, (10) and cured it by giving vaginal massages to release the disease in doctors offices until the 1920s. Water massage to cure hysteria in 1860. Image (10 A) CONTEXT The vibrator emerged as a doctors tool to be able to perform more hysteria cases per day, thanks to the industrial revolution (11). It was one of the most diagnosed disorders in history. In 1952 it was finally removed as a disease by the American Psychiatric Association. The vibrator re-emerged in the 60s as a home use device during the sexual revolution. Image (10 B) CONTEXT The importance of the female orgasm has never flourished, and it is time to bring attention to the issue. Art is one way of doing this, as we have seen with other big ticket issues such as Biotech issues, it can start conversations about a topic and create awareness to the public. SOCIAL: The female clitoris has over 8,000 sensory nerve endings, yet 60-80% of women still fake their orgasms. Social stigmas starting as early as high school promote being a good sexual partner by pleasuring men to reach orgasm. But what about us women? CONTEXT We need to start creating a buzz, and promote orgasm equality in our society. Mens ability to orgasm is seen as a social problem, and hence solutions in the form of Viagra, and other drugs are plastered on billboards, TVs and magazines (12). However, if a female has difficulty reaching orgasm, they are sold the idea that it is their fault, or they are unable to because of their different physiological makeup (12). This leads to men believing some women are just not capable of orgasm. This needs to be addressed! SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY PRECEDENTS Eduardo Kac created Alba, the GFP Bunny art project that injected jellyfish genes into a fertilized egg, resulting in a florescent green glowing bunny under the right light. The artist is quoted saying transgenic art brings out a debate on important social issues that are affecting, and will affect everyones lives in decades to come. (13). Image (13) SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY PRECEDENTS Nanotechnology: As an emerging form of technology, Nano-sized particles that work in various ways already exist in products today. Clothing with anti-stain or waterproofing abilities utilize nanotechnology, as does self-cleaning glass found on trains, windows, and cars. (14) Image (15) ARTS/HUMANITIES PRECEDENTS Along with multiple studies of orgasm rates amongst our society, there are and have been erotic art exhibits that have raised discussion and awareness about sex in our society. Most notably is the Museum of Eroticism in Paris. They describe Contemporary artists have largely acknowledged the love-making function. Since its inauguration in 1997, the Museum has remained free from all official pressure to present the work over 150 artists. Is the essence of art the sublimation of sexuality? The Museums temporary exhibitions offer a vast international panorama of prolific creativity which is often disturbing and very moving. (16)
Image 16 CONCLUSION This juxtaposition of art+technology+science does not serve a greater purpose than to be something fun and different, that hopefully will turn heads and start the discussion of gender inequality in the sexual experiences of men and woman. Combining technology and science that already exists, putting a spin on it, and creating a product that may help increase female satisfaction would be an accomplishment. However, at this age and time, beginning a legitimate discussion about the issue, would be the biggest achievement.
2. Female Orgasm Brown University. http://brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/womens_health/ female_orgasm.php
3. Sukel, Kayt. Sex on the Brain: Orgasms Unlock Altered Consciousness. New Scientist. May 2011. http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21028124.600-sex-on-the-brain-orgasms-unlock- altered- consciousness.html#.U-QU7lZYwdt
4. Rojhan, Susan Young. Glow In The Dark Rabbits MIT Technology Review. August 2014. http://www.technologyreview.com/view/518171/glow-in-the-dark-rabbits/
12. Baxter, Holly & Rhiannan Lucy Cosslett. Sexual Inequality: In Search of the Female Orgasm NewStatesman. January 2013. http://www.newstatesman.com/lifestyle/2013/01/sexual-inequality-search-female-orgasm
13. Transgenic Bunny by Eduardo Kac Genome News Network. March 2002. http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/03_02/bunny_art.shtml
16. Musee de l Erotisme Paris. Contemporary Art http://www.musee-erotisme.com/en/expositions-erotisme/expositions-permanentes- musee-erotisme-paris/item/96-art-contemporain.html WORKS CITED 5. Image: Blurry Rainbow Colors Design PSDGraphics. October 2013. http://www.psdgraphics.com/backgrounds/blurry-rainbow-colors-design/
11. Maines, Rachel P. The Job Nobody Wanted The Technology of Orgasm. New York Times Books. John Hopkins University Press. 1999. http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/m/maines-technology.html
14. Gimezewski, Dr. Jim. Nanotech for Artists. UCLA Online Lecture. DESMA9 Summer 2014