Orgasm XL [Hardcover]

Tony Ward (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2003

The tamer work of Tony Ward has been shown in galleries and museums. Orgasm II collects some of his more explicit photographs. These images belie the idea that hardcore cannot be art, finding power and poetry in the honest depiction of extreme fantasies. Tony Ward’s work has been published in all the major photography magazines, including Life, Penthouse, and American Photo. “Fashion, pornography, and rabid modern sensuality fuse in hilarious, fanciful, and realistic depictions of feelings infused with sex.” — George Pitts, Vibe magazine

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Last Gasp (February 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0867195525
• ISBN-13: 978-0867195521
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 9.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,006,937 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fine Art Erotica at its BEST, March 4, 2004

By 

Michelle7 "Editor of Michelle7(dot)com" - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Orgasm XL (Hardcover)

Tony Ward crosses the line here...

Orgasm XL is an in-your-face exploration of human sexuality - and it's graphic, so powerfully graphic, that it will undoubtedly be too much for many of Tony's fans. But for those who enter the world he's created here with an open mind, the reward will be undeniable. Sexual deviations are not the focus here; just raw sexuality, mostly between male-female couples though there are frequent glimpses of girl-girl action. Beautiful women take their men into their mouths, an interracial couple shows us everything, and lesbian lovers engage in electrifying strap-on sex. These are similar scenes that one would find in most porn magazines, yes, but none could pull it off with the artistry that Tony does. It's not the grainy texture, nor is it the black & white film; what Tony does here is something indescribable that sets his work above the average, technically-oriented, Brooks Institute-trained photographer. The scenes he's created, his composition, his choice of models, his creative angles, his flair for graphics and design, everything, when taken as a whole are much more than the sum of their parts.

Hey, anybody can make a Gumbo with the right recipe, but it takes a true artist to cook up what Paul Prudhomme does in the kitchen. And that's what master chef Tony Ward does here - he cooks up a 5-star jambalaya that some might say is too spicy, but I say that's what makes it soooooooooo good, cher!

25 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pushing the bounds of art vs. pornography, February 16, 2003

By 

J. Hancock (indianapolis, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Orgasm XL (Hardcover)

Once again the age old question is presented; Where does art cross the line to become pornography. Yet another question to be asked is why can't pornography be art? These are personal questions one must ask him/her self when veiwing this book.

Tony Ward did a fine job with this series of photographs. They are captivating and intriguing once you are able to get past the content. However, this is not a book for everyone, then again if it were I am sure "last Gasp" would not have published it.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nope, not Porn, But ART., May 24, 2004

By 

Photopro "Mike" (purcellville, va United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Orgasm XL (Hardcover)

Thats right, Art. A lot of people have a very hard time seperating porn and art, but for me, this book, as well as all of Ward books, was an easy decision. This is Art. Plain and simple.
With art and photography taking a huge turn these days in the area of erotica, it is very difficult to come up with something new and powerful. I know this because I am a photographer myself. Tony Ward has found a way to take extremely graphic erotica and turn it into beauty with his disturbingly grainy photographs.
Using very high contrast film, then enlarging, you are able to see every single little grain in Wards work, making this a Wow experience.
I will warn all readers though. This book is not for the squimish. If you are offended by depictions of homosexual sex, or any graphic sex acts, then this book is not for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a great art monograph with extreme erotica, get this book. It is incredible.