Jerri Allyn

                                



Kisaeng Aengmu / Kayla
Highly respected, educated artists & poets ...
... yet women from outcast families sold to royalty?




Photomontage, archival digital print on canvas, hand sewn sateen fabric frame, wooden rod;
5.5’L x 3.5’W x .25”D; with rod 6’L; 
2023-2024. 

Excerpt of ‘Kayla banner portrait.’ Photographer Felis Stella

Ideas addressed: Body positive erotic stripping, claiming pleasure, healing, women’s agency, chosen families. 

BIO as relates to erotic power: Kayla Noriko Tange (she/her) aka Coco Ono, is a Los Angeles-based performance artist and stripper, is a Korean adoptee, sold to Americans. Her unwed mother, shamed, was forced to sell her in an international adoption. Foremost, Tange reclaims sexual freedom denied her mother. A stripper doing lap dances may be objectified by privileged men of power, then walk in fear of sexual harassment. A dancer with agency moves through the world with power, advocating for safe work environments. 

Kayla Inspired by historical figure: Though poor and sold into service, Kisaeng 8-16 year olds, held a respected role in society. Because they entertained and traveled with royalty, their agency came through being uniquely informed about regional affairs. Kisaeng also played key roles in the Independence Movement (1910-1945). Kayla, inspired by Activist Kisaeng Aengmu, was a major donor to the Debt Repayment Movement, forced on Koreans by the Japanese. (www.kaylatange.com)

Aligned organizations: Striking Strippers North Hollywood, CA, USA (https://www.stargardendancers.com/); Stripper Co-op: Seize the means of s3duction, a worker-owned and operated adult entertainment company (@stripperco_op).