Bob Flanagan: Supermasochist

by Andrea Juno (Editor), V. Vale (Editor)

Cultural studies. Bob Flanagan is both a poet and a performance artist. In this volume's deeply confessional interviews, Bob details his sexual practices and his extraordinary relationship with long-term partner and Mistress, photographer Sheree Rose. He tells how frequent near-death encounters modified his concepts of gratification and abstinence, reward and punishment, and intensified his masochistic drive. The most extreme narratives are infused with humor, honesty, and self-reflective irony. Bob's sharp intelligence and lack of pretense belie a deep commitment to deciphering philosophical issues regarding the body, power, sex, life, and death.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Disability, Art, Unfinished, Sexuality, BDSM

126 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Shanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after watching the brilliant documentary "Sick". Though it's been almost 20 years since his death, Bob Flanagan has recently become a personal hero of mine. Living life with a horrific terminal illness, Bob was an amazing artist, musician and comedian who coped with suffering through extreme S&M practices. This book, which contains a series of interviews, excerpts of written works, and photos, gives a detailed and honest glimpse into his life with Mistress Sheree Rose. The book is not for the faint of heart, as it contains graphic descriptions and images of S&M practices. What really moves me about Bob's work and life is his honesty, positivity, clarity and humor despite it all. He does not take himself too seriously and likes to laugh at himself and the absurdity of life. Somehow he found courage to live a rich life, be and accept himself fully, and retain his humor even in the most terrible circumstances. Reading his story really inspired me and connected with me.

[Corby Plumb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic RESearch title. A great companion to read in conjuction with the documentary "Sick". Much more insight to his life, approaches and the connections made to pain from illness and SM sexuality. Also ultra NSFW or anywhere really.

[Zweegas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course if you know me you know that my hero is Bob Flanagan. Some of the things discussed in the interviews are dated and irrelevant now, but this book is still too beautiful to put into words.

[Christopher Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.thepensivequill.com/2022/...

[Carly-Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

My hero.

[Anette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love of my life

[Whatsit Tooya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life-affirming story about an open-minded man whose illness never stopped him from achieving his dreams - I promise that there's more to it than the kinky stuff, I swear.

[Tosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Flanagan with his talented lover Sheree Rose were a dynamic dual. Bob had a lung disease that should have killed him off in his childhood. Instead he survived to his 40's and in return became an amazing hero to me. His work was always in your face. So you can always look away, but then you would miss something extra special.

What one doesn't realize is that he used 'pain' to feel alive. And with that physical pain he made some powerful art. A witty writer/poet as well as a superb art-maker, the late great Flanagan is probably one of my favorite artists of the late 20th Century. Also check out the film "Sick."

But back to this book, it's a book length Q&A with Bob and Sheree, and it's quite an amazing document of his times, his medical problems, as well as their artwork. Also a great love story comes through the book as well.

[Lynsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Bob Flanagan. His story isn't just about his love of sado-masochism (although that is a very enjoyable part of it). He was a hilarious, intelligent, loving guy who dealt with Cystic Fibrosis in amazing ways, and was able to sustain a loving relationship with his dominatrix for many years, up until his death. Anyways, he's awesome. Read this and then rent the movie. Or the other way. Whatevs.

[Paolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I caught 'Sick', the companion documentary to this book, a decade or so ago, and marveled at the poetry of pain that Flanagan's work evinced. I made certain not to turn away from the close up of him driving a nail through his penis, an experience that, in some way shape or form, continues to influence certain aspects of my own work and, shall we say, praxis.

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, Bob Flanagan. I read this multiple times in college. In retrospect, I am not really sure what that was all about. Something to do with my huge crush on one of the smart Jewish boys (who will remain nameless) in my co-op, no doubt.

[nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of my first adventures into the s&m and freak world.