Performance, lights and music

The codpieces: that crucial flap in the costume of the well dressed Renaissance man, now all but forgotten. Or repressed? Historical footnotes tell us that the codpieces was introduced by the church for modesty's sake, when the abbreviated male tunics of the day threatened to expose too much. Puritanical intent was subverted and the codpiece soon became an ornamental fashion which spread to every Christian country. Countries developed their codpieces with rich embroidery, jewels and bullion. Proud men of all classes stuffed their codpieces for sturdy appearance. The man of practical bent used his codpiece as pocket for his handkerchief or for oranges which he would pull out in company and hand to the ladies. But even useful fashion is ephemeral. Although many men fought its demise, by the late 17th century, this symbol of virility was passe.

But one footnote has yet to reach the history books. At Montreal's Powerhouse Gallery in October 1974, artist Tanya Rosenberg mounted the exhibition Codpieces: Phallic Paraphernalia. The codpiece lived again, briefly. The artist played with classic forms to produce outrageous variations- a rabbit fur piece, a Batman, a chessboard, a plastic wrapped meat package. Some of the creations were worn by male models who paraded down a runway in a parody of fashion show.

'This show caused quite a stir,' recalls one observer. Clearly the artist intended it to do just that. When Branching Out discussed photos of Rosenberg's codpieces at an editorial meeting, we learned first hand just how controversial the works are. Witty social comment or sexual exploitation?