Cycle Masturbation Machines, Jan Švankmajer, 1972-1973

A great influence for Terry Gilliam and many other authors, Czech filmaker and surrealism artist Jan Švankmajer drew, in the early 70’s, a set of coin-operated masturbation machines based on scientific, historical and anatomical iconography.

Implemented by the State with the aim of providing a complete control over the sexuality of its citizen, these machines would ensure the workers a more satisfactory lifestyle, enable them to better focus on labor, avoid sexually transmitted disease and decrease sexual crime.

The machines themselves are composed of hidraulically operated artificial vaginas and penises, stimulating audiotapes, cartridges full of ejaculating substances, a disinfection system for the vagina and detailed user manuals.

These satirical works have been featured in the recent exhibition “Mondes inventés, Mondes habités” (“Invented Worlds, Inhabited Worlds”), at the MUDAM Museum in Luxembourg.

A review of the exhibition can be read on WMMNA.

Another personal exhibition (Unnatural history museum) is held in gallery Kerstin Engholm, Wien.