Kayden Kross and Daren Cornell launched "Deeper," a 448-page photography book, and "Gasplighting," a cultural project, at the Wönzimer art gallery in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, October 16, 2026. The event marked the live debut of the "Gasplighting" cultural movement, which Kross helped found online.

"Deeper" Book and Exhibition

The "Deeper" book, titled after the Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Kross founded, draws from its photo library. The exhibition at Wönzimer featured framed prints by Kross’s book collaborator, photographer Daren Cornell. The photographs were mounted in black frames against a white background, with a red carpet accentuating the event.

Kross launched the Deeper imprint in 2018, with Cornell involved since its inception. VMG co-founder Mike Miller advised Kross to hire a skilled photographer for her studio. Kross stated she interviewed 20 photographers before selecting Cornell after seeing his first image of Riley Reid. Kross noted their effective collaboration, where she communicates her vision and Cornell translates it visually. Cornell has been with Deeper since 2018, and the book features imagery captured by him since then.

Kross, who considers herself a student of literature, expressed her appreciation for photography's ability to capture emotion and detail, stating it forces viewers to engage longer than moving images. Cornell echoed this, noting that physical prints encourage viewers to slow down and engage with the image, making them part of the conversation. He also expressed appreciation for the large turnout, marking his first gallery exhibition for his adult industry photography, and relished seeing his crew again, who he stated contribute ideas and inspire him daily.

Kross described Cornell’s style as having a "softness" that is also "hot," focusing on the juxtaposition of straight lines against the human body's curves. She cited an image where a model’s foot is slightly curled as an example of Cornell capturing specific details she seeks. Cornell stated he enjoys working with adult performers due to their open-mindedness and lack of inhibition, which allows for more creative collaboration. He also mentioned learning from performers and allowing shoots to evolve organically.

Among Kross's favorite images is one of Valentina Nappi in a red dress, which she likened to a Vogue-style shot with a twist, noting the surprise of realizing Nappi is sitting on someone's face, indicated by her holding their hands. Cornell cited a black-and-white portrait of Janice Griffith as a favorite, along with a photo from his first Deeper shoot with Riley Reid, titled “The First Time,” depicting Reid with her legs spread and bedsheets pulled between them.

The exhibition included photographs such as “The Devil Wears,” featuring a model in a chastity belt; “Primal Instincts,” showing a model with two Dobermans on a leash against a Los Angeles hills backdrop; and “Drift,” depicting a chain attached to an engraved lock reading “Deeper.” The print of “Drift” was marked “Sold” at a display price of $1,500. Projectors also displayed images, including an empty bed with rumpled sheets and a prisoner inspecting an erection in a cop’s pants. Three posters featured reprinted Polaroid images of Deeper stars, including Octavia Red kissing two men and Seth Gamble posing nude in front of a woman suspended by ropes.

Copies of the "Deeper" book were available for $149, alongside studio merchandise. The exhibition is presented by Vixen Media Group (VMG) and unfolded across multiple rooms. Wönzimer will showcase Deeper on Friday and Saturday night, October 16 and 17, 2026, with free admission requiring an RSVP. The opening night on October 16 ran from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and the event on October 17 ran from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

"Gasplighting" Cultural Movement

The evening also marked the live launch of the "Gasplighting" cultural movement, which Kross helped found online. The book and exhibition are part of this Kross-led movement. The term "Gasplighting" is defined on the movement’s website as, in part, "the distortion of people’s experiences with their own bodies, particularly around health, sexuality and pleasure that can lead to manifestations of self-doubt." The site describes the event as "a curated sensory gallery exhibition" that brings "a unique perspective at the intersection of culture, sexuality, and storytelling through multiple rooms that will activate all five senses."

Kross explained that "Gasplighting" began as an Instagram handle to create a space for topics often categorized as "adult" to be discussed outside that framework, aiming to explore them through a modern lens. She stated the movement is not political, but rather an online space to discuss subjects that have been internalized due to societal teachings. Kross clarified that "Gasplighting" is not about combating purity culture, but about expanding ideas of acceptable human sexuality. She noted that people engage in sex for various reasons, none inherently good or bad, but transactional or validation-seeking sex is often dismissed. Kross added that narrow definitions of sexual connection lead to dishonesty and that the performative aspect of sex can harm trust-based relationships.

The "Gasplighting" project combines psychology, philosophy, visual storytelling, and cultural commentary to examine the disconnect between lived experience and societal messages about desire, pleasure, vulnerability, autonomy, and connection. It invites audiences to question assumptions and engage in honest conversations about intimacy. The project will surface these themes through genuine conversation, connection, and adult art in collaboration with the Deeper brand. Kross described "Gasplighting" as a philosophical endeavor, a multi-sensory exploration of human physicality, interpersonal relationships, and sexual identity, challenging narratives that shape understanding of bodies, sexuality, and intimacy.

Event Details and Future Plans

The guest list for the launch included industry figures such as performers Octavia Red, Leana Lovings, Vanna Bardot, Kyaa Chimera, Seth Gamble, Serenity Cox, Jessi Rae, Jewel Diamant, Jason Luv, and screen legend Christy Canyon. Also present were Kasey Warner, director Mike Quasar, and agent Mark Spiegler. Guests perused the exhibition and enjoyed an open bar with sexually suggestive snacks from Eat Me Cookies.

Later in the evening, Kross and Cornell were scheduled for a Q&A session about the “Deeper” book and the “Gasplighting” movement. This was to be followed by the debut of the trailer for Deeper’s latest feature, “Equilibrium,” and a panel discussion with lead performers Serenity Cox, Jessi Rae, Jewel Diamant, and Jason Luv.

Kross stated that the book and exhibition represent mainstream recognition for her work and expand the Deeper brand. She mentioned that a book and gallery show had been on their "bucket list" and were previously not taken seriously. Kross envisions books and other media as part of Deeper’s future, stating that Deeper will not solely produce content. She noted that opportunities arose during the gallery's organization, and the brand can explore various avenues. Kross also indicated that the gallery serves to gauge what the mainstream world can handle and to build momentum for future opportunities.

Key Facts

  • Kayden Kross and Daren Cornell launched the "Deeper" photography book and "Gasplighting" cultural movement on October 16, 2026.
  • The "Deeper" book is a 448-page hardbound photography book featuring imagery by Daren Cornell since 2018.
  • The exhibition took place at the Wönzimer art gallery in downtown Los Angeles on October 16 and 17, 2026.
  • "Gasplighting" is a multidisciplinary cultural project challenging narratives about bodies, sexuality, and intimate experiences.
  • The "Deeper" book was available for $149, while displayed prints, such as "Drift," were priced at $1,500.
  • The event included a Q&A with Kross and Cornell, a trailer debut for "Equilibrium," and a panel discussion with performers.