Hysterical Literature (not safe for work)

[Underseer]

http://hystericalliterature.com/about/

Hysterical Literature is a video art series by NYC-based photographer and filmmaker Clayton Cubitt. It explores feminism, mind/body dualism, distraction portraiture, and the contrast between culture and sexuality. (It's also just really fun to watch.)

Launched in August of 2012, the video series has been watched over 45 million times in 200 countries.

http://hystericalliterature.com/faq

What is Hysterical Literature?

Women are seated with a book at a table, filmed in austere black and white against a black background. They have chosen what to read and how to dress. When the camera begins recording, they introduce themselves, and begin reading. Under the table, outside of the subject's control, an unseen assistant distracts them with a vibrator. The subjects stop reading when they're too distracted or fatigued to continue, at which point they restate their name, and what they've just read. The pieces vary in length based on the response time of the subjects.

Videos:
http://hystericalliterature.com/sessions
https://www.youtube.com/user/claytoncubitt/featured

There is nothing explicit on screen, but still, you probably don't want anyone overhearing you watch these. Use headphones or something.

 

[Underseer]

http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2015/07/hysterical-literature-clayton-cubitt-orgasm-while-reading

Written by someone who did one of the videos.

 

[thebeave]

Isn't this sort of sexist...at least the name? I seem to recall that doctors way back in the day, when a woman got a little crazy they would label her as "hysteric" and then diddle her with a vibrator to treat the hysteria?

 

[prideandfall]

Isn't this sort of sexist...at least the name? I seem to recall that doctors way back in the day, when a woman got a little crazy they would label her as "hysteric" and then diddle her with a vibrator to treat the hysteria?

(looks up over thebeave's head)
think the point was up there somewhere and you missed it.

 

[TSwizzle]

There is nothing explicit on screen, but still, you probably don't want anyone overhearing you watch these. Use headphones or something.

I came across these videos a few months ago and I go back to watch a few of the girls. It's a curiosity and I'm not sure why I like them, I just do. I like the way some of the women are struggling on with their story and then just can't keep it together.

 

[Underseer]

Isn't this sort of sexist...at least the name? I seem to recall that doctors way back in the day, when a woman got a little crazy they would label her as "hysteric" and then diddle her with a vibrator to treat the hysteria?

They explain the use of that term on the FAQ.