The most adopted definition of asexuality is simple — does not experience sexual attraction. In reality, however, people who identify as asexual are a very heterogeneous group, and more recognition and
representation of this variety is needed. Through the analysis of existing asexual visual representations, this
thesis proposes that new opportunities are arising for more nuanced representations that acknowledge the
diversity of the asexual experience and help others further understand what asexuality can be.
A small-scale qualitative visual study was conducted to extract symbolic visual elements of online asexual
communities. Drawing from those elements, two projects and one experiment were undertaken to explore
how visual communication tactics can be used to bring forth more nuanced asexual representations. Two
projects propose to associate a broadened understanding of asexuality with the diverse asexual experience
in visual representations: Andy Warhol is Aro Ace situates asexual possibilities in a broader cultural and
historical context through visual storytelling; and #intimAces interprets common physical interactions
from an asexual perspective, linking asexual/nonsexual intimacy with symbols of asexuality. An
experiment of symbol-making for asexual spectrum identities seeks clarifications of the specific
definitions, leading to a discussion around identity segmentation and the role of design to bring more
fluidity. This thesis concludes by suggesting an inclusion of more nuances and possibilities of asexuality for
future asexual visibility and education.
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