Lovely prose and sharp perspective. I will be adding this title to my recommendation syllabus of books about sex work.

I absolutely loved this memoir by Sophia Giovannitti and would highly recommend it to my audience and people in my own life. I am fascinated with the intersection between sex and art and this was a perfect exploration of this. I was intrigued by Sophia's life and writing voice.

TRIGGER WARNING - THIS REVIEW (AND BOOK) SPEAK FRANKLY OF SEX AND SEX ACTS

I've struggled to figure out how to start this review ... much the way that author Sophia Giovannitti appears to have struggled to get her thoughts across in her memoir Working Girl: On Selling Art and Selling Sex.
Giovannitti has been both a sex worker and an artist. For her, the lines between the two are often blurred and sometimes intersecting as she worked (in both fields) to make a living. Many artists struggle define the difference between themselves and their art - where does the art stop and the 'self' begin? This is a question that Giovannitti faces but with the added complication: where does the art stop and the selling of sex begin and where is the separator between self and sex service?

It's an interesting question. I've met many artists (in different mediums) who say that they have to sell themselves before they can sell their work. Of course 'selling themselves' doesn't have the same connotation as it does when referring to a sex worker. Or does it?

While the idea of what Sophia Giovannitti is selling here - her thoughts - is fascinating to me, the writing is a hot mess.

There are a lot of good thoughts within the covers of the book (I think I've highlighted more here than in just about any other book I've read in the past decade) but the book feels like a stream of consciousness writing and/or that Giovannitti had so much to say and she couldn't figure out what to say first and tried to say it all at once.

She writes a lot about her art but it is never really clear quite what her art actually is. Sometimes it's paintings (?), sometimes it's writing, and sometimes it's sex. And while she waxes on and on about the similarities between art and sex work, we definitely get the sense that she's 'practiced' her sex work ("That’s what fucking like a whore - like an artist - is, doing the work to make both seem good at it. There’s no secret save for willful deception, bought into by both parties. An American dream.") but when has she spent time on an art in order to not have to sell sex so that she can sell art? Other than a moment she writes of spending time with a man/client because he led her on with the possibility of selling her art, we really don't get the sense of Sophia Giovannitti the artist. But even she questions this:

Am I a real artist? Does my identity as a creative change how I engage sex work (politics)? Does poverty? … I’m wondering what it means to be pursuing sex work as a means to an end. There's a long history of creatives moonlighting as whores or in related professions in order to achieve their goal of making their creative work their main source of income. Does my experience matter? Should I abandon my writing in favor of pursuing erotic labor vis-a-vis authenticity?

And:

We might pursue sex work to support an art practice that is allegedly, at first, independent of sex work, but it often becomes inextricably linked to or entirely about it. In other words, by internalizing the idea that all we have to sell is sex, it also happens that what a lot of us end up creating, or creating about, is, in one form or another, sex.

And she looks back on some of her escort/prostitution in an art context:

Once in a Midtown hotel, a client arranged me on the bed and directed me to masturbate for him. I felt a bit like a painting, albeit one in motion, but barely - the composition just so, only one appendage slowly moving. He stood off to the side, watching. I don't remember if he was touching himself or not; I was consumed by my own experience as a prop.

The thoughts reflected in these quotes really capture the general tone of the book - the blurring of the lines.
Mixed within the jumble of thoughts, Giovannitti does make some interesting connections between the worlds. One of the best comes out in a discussion about an art dealer who was well known to have taken advantage of his position as a powerful dealer/gallery owner to sleep with artists in exchange for possibly showing in his galleries. She writes:

The difference between the whores hired by dealers, collectors, mega-artists, and cultural tastemakers and the gallery girls, assistants, and unpaid interns at their beck and call is that the former are paid to be sexualized, objectified, and sometimes degraded, while the latter are not even paid adequate wages for what’s in their job description, let alone harassment tacked on. The refusal to acknowledge sexual labor as such, alongside the conspiratorial dickriding between those on top who need to sell and those on top who might buy, simultaneously produces and relies upon webs of quotidian violences at the expense of pools of workers rendered disposable, replaceable, and lucky for the opportunity.

A few times, Giovannitti references a 'better known' (still relatively unknown to the general populace) artist whose art was sex in some form, such as Lynda Benglis's "dildo-adorned self-portrait" ("the image is more humorous than erotic, but it is also bold and arresting") and Vito Acconci's performance art piece in which he masturbated under a foot-ramp in a SoHo gallery for viewers. But these works she references are from fifty years ago (1974 and 1972 respectively). I'm not sure that looking at 'art' (some will see these as art, some will not) during a time of real cultural upheaval is a good comparison to make today.

Looking for a good book? Sophia Giovannitti has some important points to make in Working Girl, but finding them among the jumble of thoughts may take more effort than it's worth.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Title: A Thought-Provoking Journey into the Complexities of Art and Sexuality: A Review of "Working Girl: Selling Art and Selling Sex" by Sophia Giovannitti

Introduction:
Sophia Giovannitti's "Working Girl: Selling Art and Selling Sex" is a captivating exploration of the intertwined worlds of art and sexuality. Through her personal experiences as a working girl, Giovannitti delves into the complexities and challenges faced by women who navigate these realms. This thought-provoking book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of art, commerce, and personal identity, shedding light on the often overlooked aspects of these industries.

Body:

I. The Art World: A Vortex of Creativity and Commerce
Giovannitti's narrative takes readers on a journey through the vibrant art scene, where creativity and commerce collide. She skillfully portrays the struggles faced by artists, particularly women, as they strive to establish themselves in a male-dominated industry. Giovannitti's vivid descriptions of gallery openings, art fairs, and the inner workings of the art market provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges artists face in gaining recognition and financial stability.

II. The Complexities of Sex Work: Beyond Stereotypes
In "Working Girl," Giovannitti offers a nuanced portrayal of sex work, challenging societal stereotypes and shedding light on the multifaceted experiences of those involved. Through her own experiences as a sex worker, she humanizes the individuals who engage in this profession, highlighting their agency, vulnerabilities, and the complex power dynamics at play. Giovannitti's candid and empathetic approach encourages readers to question their preconceived notions and consider the broader social and economic factors that contribute to the existence of the sex industry.

III. The Intersection of Art and Sexuality: A Provocative Dialogue
One of the book's most compelling aspects is Giovannitti's exploration of the intersection between art and sexuality. She delves into the ways in which artists have historically used sexuality as a tool for self-expression, challenging societal norms and pushing boundaries. By examining the works of renowned artists and their engagement with sexuality, Giovannitti prompts readers to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in the art world and the broader implications of commodifying desire.

IV. Identity and Empowerment: A Personal Journey
Throughout "Working Girl," Giovannitti intertwines her personal journey with broader societal discussions. She candidly shares her experiences, struggles, and triumphs, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of her own identity formation. Giovannitti's

In a culture which increasingly depends on the grinding forces of human capital, more and more people ae becoming interested in the perspectives of those who explicitly sell access to their bodies. Sex work is the ultimate taboo, and books like this are instrumental in breaking down these barriers of shame and violence, to bring to light a vision of a better way of living for all.

The prose in “Working Girl” is both eloquent and evocative, painting vivid portraits of the people and places that shaped Giovannitti’s path. Her writing effortlessly captures the emotional landscapes of her experiences, immersing readers in a world where vulnerability, resilience, and self-discovery intersect.

While “Working Girl” is undeniably a challenging and provocative read, it offers a unique and necessary perspective that deserves attention. It may not be suitable for all readers due to its explicit content and mature themes, but for those who appreciate introspective and unapologetic memoirs that challenge societal norms, this book is an absolute must-read.

This was a great read! Giovannitti's writing is very sharp and self aware and the topics she explores are very interesting. Her perspective throughout her essays were brilliant and nuanced and I thought the comparison of making art and prostitution to be very thought provoking.

Well worth the read for the writing alone. Working Girl is artist, sex worker, and writer Sophia Giovannitti’s written debut. It’s an excellent series of essays reflecting on the author’s life as an conceptual artist and sex worker, and the way those professions overlap and fit together— a survey of the differences and similarities between them. The comparison between art-making and prostitution has been around for a long time, and it’s one of the things that ignites the essays from the center. The book is filled with sharp, self-aware writing; Giovannitti is very brilliant. One of the things the book ends up being about is the way working at all is degrading, which becomes clearer towards the end; Giovannitti’s open and flagrant defiance of capitalism, and her focus on community as a source of respite and strength, make this book pair well with Jenny Odell’s work (the excellent How to Do Nothing and this year’s Saving Time).

I was intrigued to hear an artist's thoughts on the overlapping spheres between her sex work and her art but also zoned out a bit. I loved reading this type of feminst theory in college but maybe because I've already discussed and debated the merits and pitfalls, I couldn't stay engaged with the text.

Really interesting book. Manages to get into the complex worlds of art and sex without cliche or prurience. Would have loved to read more of a UK perspective as well but still very good.

It is nice to know that those of us honestly, and willingly, living and working in the light of jeopardy are not alone. Please read my review of "Working Girl: On Selling Art and Selling Sex" by Sophia Giovannitti here:

https://rogueliterarysociety.com/f/on-selling-art-and-selling-sex-by-sophia-giovannitti