Happy Ending Massage ( 2014 )
I have opened a fake erotic massage parlor called ‘HappyEnding’ as a project for a month in my apartment. I provided an instruction video on how to use the Korean traditional massage tools instead of providing the actual massage service. Participants could make an appointment at the happy ending massage parlor via email. After they visited, they could choose a masseuse and be forced to mimic the instruction according to the masseuse video. This project’s procedure follows the actual illegal happy ending massage parlor
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Massage parlors are common in many countries including the United States.
Korean massage parlors are reported to be the most popular in this country because they provide a comfortable environment, excellent service and highly attractive masseuses. The Massages at certain massage parlors may include a “happy ending”, meaning that the massage ends with the client experiencing a sexual release. In addition to a “happy ending” some erotic massage venues now also offer a service allowing the client to masturbate while watching an artist perform a striptease.
There was a Korean massage parlor on the first floor of my apartment building in Queens. When I first moved in I thought it was a hair and nail salon as indicated by a sign in the window. However, I always wondered why the windows were covered with black curtains and why there was a small doorbell by the entrance. I noticed that all the clients seemed to be men. One day one of the parlor’s visitors asked me if I was working there. This moment was disconcerting and awkward for me. I felt confused and alienated - from both the clients and the Korean workers. It raised many questions for me about my country and culture and its relationship to American society.
I have opened a fake erotic massage parlor called ‘HappyEnding’ as a project for a month in my apartment. I provided an instruction video on how to use the Korean traditional massage tools instead of providing the actual massage service. Participants could make an appointment at the happy ending massage parlor via email. After they visited, they could choose a masseuse and be forced to mimic the instruction according to the masseuse video. This project’s procedure follows the actual illegal happy ending massage parlor
Massage parlors are common in many countries including the United States.
Korean massage parlors are reported to be the most popular in this country because they provide a comfortable environment, excellent service and highly attractive masseuses. The Massages at certain massage parlors may include a “happy ending”, meaning that the massage ends with the client experiencing a sexual release. In addition to a “happy ending” some erotic massage venues now also offer a service allowing the client to masturbate while watching an artist perform a striptease.
There was a Korean massage parlor on the first floor of my apartment building in Queens. When I first moved in I thought it was a hair and nail salon as indicated by a sign in the window. However, I always wondered why the windows were covered with black curtains and why there was a small doorbell by the entrance. I noticed that all the clients seemed to be men. One day one of the parlor’s visitors asked me if I was working there. This moment was disconcerting and awkward for me. I felt confused and alienated - from both the clients and the Korean workers. It raised many questions for me about my country and culture and its relationship to American society.
