In Pictures: Hong Kong sex work exhibition explores violence and bodily autonomy in an underground industry

Boxes of condoms, AI-generated images of sex workers, and a computer displaying a website for part-time girlfriends fill the exhibition space at Heath in Tsim Sha Tsui. The venue, aptly chosen for the A Body of One’s Own exhibition, was once a hub for nightclubs situated in the basement of Chungking Mansions. Organized by three non-governmental organizations that aid Hong Kong's sex workers – Action for Reach Out, Teen’s Key, and Midnight Blue – the two-week-long showcase aims to highlight the industry's history and address sensitive topics like violence, choice, and bodily autonomy.

Curator Wong Ka-ying, an artist and writer, emphasized the exhibition's dual mission of celebrating sex work and delving into its complexities. "Sex work is one of the oldest industries in the world, with over 3,000 years of history, yet the stigma surrounding it remains widespread," he remarked in Cantonese during a media preview. "However, why is our comprehension of sex work still so limited today, given the advancements of human civilization?" Wong questioned, sparking a thought-provoking exploration of the subject.

To further engage the audience, exhibition organizers invited four individuals with firsthand experience in the sex work industry to share their stories. Daphne, who identifies as a "professional domme," recounted her journey into the BDSM scene, beginning with rope play in 2022. Initially captivated by latex and the dominant role, Daphne now teaches rope bondage and maintains an online directory for sex workers.

Her story exemplifies the diverse paths within the sex work industry, further emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of its complexities.