A Steampunk Aesthetic

Code d' Odalisque is based on different historical models to other styles of consensual slave play, and more broadly is based on a different erotic culture than that which is now predominant in the BDSM world. The dominant models are based in the French Revolution and in the inspiration of Marquis de Sade. De Sade has given Western civilization an enduring erotic and aesthetic culture, but it is one characterized by sado-masochism. The dungeon, whips, chains, leather, black clothing - these familiar features of alternative sexuality are all part of the erotic culture created by de Sade. By extension it is a grungy, industrial aesthetic. Typically, for example, a woman will be bound and whipped in an old factory. That is de Sade's idea of sexy.

Code d' Odalisque is a departure from this whole tradition. Not only does it offer an alternative style of play to those that are current in BDSM, but it also offers a different aesthetic. It is a refined and sensual aesthetic - not the dark, grungy aesthetic of de Sade. It draws upon the sensuality (and rich erotic heritage) of the Turks, Arabs, Persians, Berbers etc - all very sensual (and sexual) people. This oriental aesthetic is combined with a modern hardcore sensibility.

In the current aesthetic order sensuality tends to be equated with softcore. Hardcore tends to mean rough, ugly, harsh, violent. But in Code d' Ode, hardcore sexual play and sexual exploration is placed within a context of refinement and sensuality. An odalisque is a thing of beauty. Code d' Odalisque is a celebration of that beauty. But at the same time the odalisque is an object to be enjoyed and explored. Code d' Ode is about hardcore sexual exploration. The sensuality of the aesthetic does not mean "softcore".

There is no sado-masochism in Code d' Odalisque. And by extension there is no cult of ugliness. There is beauty, fantasy, mystery and there is excess, obsession, oblivion - the aesthetic context is sensual and sumptuous, drawing upon the rich traditions of the old orient. Code d' Odalisque revives odalisque slavery from the Ottoman empire. Accordingly, it draws upon the sensuality of that world, especially as it was *imagined* by Europeans in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Steampunk

In some ways Code d’ Odalisque is akin to that contemporary aesthetic movement called “steampunk” – it combines ideas, themes, motifs from the early modern steam age (Victoriana) with a hard edge contemporary feel. Code d’ Ode might be considered “steampunk erotica”. Steampunk is a sub-genre of fantasy fiction but also an aesthetic movement based upon worlds and technologies envisaged by the Victorian era. Similarly, there is an aspect of Code d’ Ode that might be described as “alternate history”, which is also characteristic of steampunk. Steampunk evokes an alternate history of technology. Code d’ Ode evokes an alternate history in which, let us say, the Ottoman Empire was not defeated, odalisque slavery was not abolished, but it necessarily changed to meet modern needs…

It would be very easy for Code d’ Ode to become clichéd and corny: belly dancers and decorations reminiscent of ‘I Dream of Jeanie’. The orientalism of Code d’ Ode should be muted, not over-done. The so-called “steampunk” aesthetic is closer to the tone proper to Code d’ Ode.