Byron De Weerdt

Seduction-repulsion is an intriguing combination of words that can mean a lot of things, in many fields. I’m only going to focus on what I find important or interesting.
The focus is obviously art, I’ve been very interested in horror special effects make-up, I love the sight of blood, scars, etc. In my own art I don’t shy away from a bit of horror; or “harsh truths” when it comes to portraits. Since my teen years I’ve really been into what’s described as the “edgy scene” where these things aren’t uncommon. Not only do I find these things fascinating, I also see beauty in them. To me beauty and ugliness can go together, are subjective. It’s all in taste and due context. The first thought would be to link seduction with beauty, repulsion with ugliness or disgust. But there again, what is commonly seen as the “beauty standard” can be repulsive to some. For example, when someone goes through excessive amounts of plastic surgery to achieve “perfect beauty” many will frown upon this and agree that that is off-putting, or even ironically seen as ugly and repulsive.

There are of course also non-visual examples of seduction-repulsion. When it comes to audio, it’s a little tricky for me. I have a form of misophonia, also known as Selective Sound Sensitivity Syndrome, Select sound sensitivity syndrome or sound-rage. Which means that some specific sounds annoy me enormously, to the point it makes me angry an avoid it at all costs. For me that’s mouth sounds, mostly chewing. So to me sitting at the dinner table can be a challenge. Mookbangs or eating ASMR are a literal nightmare. I do enjoy other forms of ASMR though. The stereotype of scratching the chalkboard is for me one that goes with seduction-repulsion because the sound isn’t enjoyable, but it is thrilling, exiting. People love doing it. That might even sound a bit masochistic. On that note, a lot of guilty pleasures like popping pimples can go too. It is gross, but relaxing. It can hurt but people still enjoy it none the less.

There’s, like I said, a lot of ways to interpret the subject, some may focus more on the erotic scene, or just see it differently.

I believe the core value is the intrigue, excitement, adrenaline, keeping you coming back to it. Masochism is a big player in this. People just can’t help themselves.