ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how sexuality and creativity are used to cast an illusion of omnipotence. Sexual perversion has an additional dimension, which is its role in the human animal's overcoming death. Sexuality and creativity are familiar bedfellows in the lives of other artists as well. Personal trauma, childhood history, and sexual and social development are important for understanding perversion. The word magic is used intentionally; like the illusionist who creates an impression that the laws of nature have been suspended, the sexual illusionist is compelled to conceal pain in a magic show in which psychological pain suddenly disappears. The script of the perverse fantasy and behaviour includes a hidden agenda of revenge and repair aimed at converting childhood trauma into adult mastery. The fantasy of being all-powerful, of being able to wish the impossible into existence, brings into the world both wonderful creations and devastating destruction.
