Thought-provoking and immersive, Melanie Bonajo’s When the Body Says Yes is a powerful multi-media piece that draws the viewer into an exploration of the human body in relation to consent, expression, and liberation from judgement. The exhibit, located in the Baroque Chappel in IMMA, emphasises themes such as the importance of connection through both sexual and non-sexual touch, as well as the power and pleasure found in consent.
Rather than following a traditional narrative, the exhibit flows freely without the constraints of a storyline, allowing these themes to be explored in depth. For viewers accustomed to structured storytelling, this experience may feel disorienting but ultimately liberating—perfectly aligning with the exhibit’s central concepts.
Bonajo and their creative team draw viewers in with intimate, close-up shots that highlight the vibrant colours and textures of both the subjects and the intricate, dreamy set design. The camera captures bodies in natural, expressive states, starkly juxtaposed with eccentric costumes and artistic elements, prompting reflection on the lines between organic self-expression and societal performance. The otherworldly atmosphere created by the art style and set design, combined with powerful audio interviews from the subject’s themselves, invites deep reflection amid visually stimulating imagery.
One recurring theme throughout the exhibit is how consent is both powerful and pleasurable, encouraging viewers to consider how boundaries which—when respected—enhance our connection to our bodies and desires. Bonajo also delves into the power of non-sexual touch, examining cultural, childhood, and trauma-related barriers that prevent us from experiencing platonic intimacy, which the artist portrays as both freeing and healing. The exhibit advocates for a relearning of intimacy, urging us as the audience to embrace an innocent, joyful touch without expectations.
As a viewer, there were moments of questioning, “What am I watching?” Testifying to the exhibit’s unusual yet deeply personal expressions. Bonajo’s work challenges comfort zones, presenting an unfamiliar yet profoundly relatable exploration of primal expression. Cesar Cruz’s famous quote, “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comforted,” echoed throughout the experience; perfectly encapsulating the essence of When the Body Says Yes. The exhibit was on at IMMA until October 20th and was a must-see for those seeking an interactive, empowering art experience.
