Kayden Kross and Daren Cornell unveiled "Deeper," a 448-page hardbound photography book, at the Wönzimer gallery in Los Angeles. The exhibition marks the inaugural chapter of "Gasplighting," a multidisciplinary cultural project from Kross.

"Deeper" Book and "Gasplighting" Project Launch

The "Deeper" book features photography culled from the studio's content library, showcasing imagery captured by Daren Cornell since 2018. The book explores desire in various forms, including validation, power, ritual, healing, and surrender. It is described as part of "Gasplighting," a broader cultural movement by Kross that addresses how bodies, longing, and connection are misrepresented and dismissed.

The exhibition, presented by Vixen Media Group (VMG), opened to the public at Wönzimer in Los Angeles on Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17, 2026. The event featured imagery from Kross's studio, Deeper, spanning nearly a decade, with photography by Daren Cornell. The exhibition unfolded across multiple rooms.

Kross described "Gasplighting" as a philosophical endeavor, a multi-sensory exploration of human physicality, interpersonal relationships, and sexual identity. The project challenges narratives that shape understanding of bodies, sexuality, and intimacy, examining the disconnect between lived experience and societal messages about desire, pleasure, vulnerability, autonomy, and connection. Kross stated that much of what people believe about intimacy is inherited through culture and expectation, rather than based on their own experiences. The project asks what happens when individuals stop outsourcing their understanding of themselves and begin trusting their own experiences.

The event also served as a celebration of Kross's film Equilibrium, which was inspired by Jungian psychology. Stars of Equilibrium, including Jessi Rae, Serenity Cox, Jewel Diamant, and Jason Luv, made appearances. Diamant described a scene in Equilibrium where she was in a water tank, stating that the experience was transformative and influenced her approach to future opportunities. Cox noted that Kross's projects encourage performers to serve larger ideas rather than simply portraying beauty.

Exhibition Details and Panel Conversations

The exhibition was free to the public, but due to limited space, an RSVP was required. Reservations for Friday or Saturday night were available at Gasplighting.com. Exhibition hours were Friday, October 16, from 6 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, October 17, from 6 to 10 p.m. A panel conversation featuring Kross, Cornell, and special guests was presented at 7:30 p.m. each night.

During a conversation at the event, Cornell discussed the value of print, stating that a print on a wall can gather people and create conversation and mood. Kross recalled her first collaboration with Cornell, noting that his image of Riley Reid from her first Deeper scene, "The First Time," demonstrated his ability to capture mood visually. The exhibition included a postcoital shot of Riley Reid from "The First Time" and a close-up of a padlock necklace given to Maitland Ward, who became the first face of the brand in 2019.

Mike Moz, head of casting for Vixen Media Group, commented on the gallery exhibit, stating that it shows a lack of boundaries in creative endeavors within the industry. Kross stated that over eight years, the Deeper studio has explored various themes, including transaction, cheap thrill, fear, kink for therapy, true love, love at first sight, and rage that turns into lust. She added that the book provides images to represent these themes.

Future Plans and Artistic Vision

After the Los Angeles premiere, Kross and her collaborators plan to bring the exhibition to New York and Miami. The "Gasplighting" project aims to gain momentum on social media platforms to foster conversation and connections. Kross stated that the Deeper brand exists to create a space for exploring ideas, testing personal and artistic boundaries, and showcasing the dimensions of pornography as a medium. The "Deeper" book serves as a brand showcase, artistic keepsake, and conversation starter.

Jessi Rae, a star of Equilibrium, described the book as art, stating that it transforms pornography into something that can be carried forever, like a coffee table book. Kross, an AVN Hall of Famer and three-time Director of the Year, discussed the importance of sexual union to community continuation and the need to look at adult content beyond its traditional confines. She argued that when sex, relationships, and unions decline, the ability to deeply connect with others is lost, and that friction can lead to growth.

Key Facts

  • Kayden Kross and Daren Cornell launched the "Deeper" book and "Gasplighting" exhibition.
  • The exhibition took place at Wönzimer gallery in Los Angeles on October 16-17, 2026.
  • "Deeper" is a 448-page hardbound photography book featuring imagery from Kross's studio, captured by Cornell since 2018.
  • "Gasplighting" is a multidisciplinary cultural project from Kross, challenging narratives about bodies, sexuality, and intimacy.
  • The exhibition was free to the public with RSVP and included panel conversations with Kross, Cornell, and special guests.
  • The event also celebrated Kross's film Equilibrium, with appearances by its stars.