Phyllis Kronhausen was an American photographer and filmmaker who played an important role in documenting and challenging the boundaries of sexual freedom in the 1950s and 1960s.
Kronhausen was born in Chicago in 1917 and grew up in a Jewish family. She studied art and psychology at the University of Chicago and later moved to New York City. She was an active member of the vibrant art scene throughout the 1950s and began to explore themes of sexuality and censorship in her art. Her work often challenged traditional taboos, and she was a vocal advocate for sexual freedom.
In the early 1960s, Kronhausen and her husband, Eberhard, co-authored several books on sex and censorship, including “The Sexually Responsive Woman” and “The Bride Stripped Bare By Her Bachelors.” In addition to her books, Kronhausen directed two documentaries, “The Sex Life of a Polygamist” and “The Gay Life of a Lesbian.” Both films were considered groundbreaking for their time, and they helped to challenge the status quo.
Kronhausen’s work was often met with controversy and censorship. Her book, “The Erotic World of Faeryland,” was banned in multiple countries due to its explicit content. However, her work was also praised by many for its boldness and for advancing the cause of sexual freedom.
In the 1970s, Kronhausen began to focus more on photography. Her work often focused on the beauty of the female form and explored themes of gender and sexuality. Her photographs were exhibited in art galleries throughout the United States and Europe.
Kronhausen passed away in 2007. Her legacy lives on in her books, films, and photographs, which continue to influence and inspire new generations of artists and activists. She was a trailblazer who helped to challenge the boundaries of sexual freedom and censorship, and her work continues to inspire today.
