Nevertheless, the article (found here: http://hq.deviantart.com/blog/45688181/?utm_source=elnino&utm_medium=messagecenter&utm_campaign=110111_NET_Nudes&utm_term=title )
It adresses an interesting matter that has been going on for ages when it comes to nudity in not only photography but all forms of art. Is it good or is it bad? Is there a line??? The article addresses a number of things, from both angles. Firstly, it states that the nude form is an art in itself and is something we can all relate to. At its core, it is what makes us human. It is what attaches all of us together.
"Given the primacy of the body as the beginning of all that we are in life, and given the eye as the primary receiver for the collection of all information in our lives, how could the artistic nude not be a massively represented art form on a global arts forum like deviantART?"
See, this is an interesting thing to look at and examine, however, there is a fine line between what is pornography and what is art. I believe it depends on the context. There is a difference between a woman's body strewn across a velvet sheet, and a blatant image of a man and a woman's genitals as they act in sexual intercourse. It is not just an act of love anymore, it is a form of erotica. Simply put, it is the context rather than just the image itself. Though, who is to say the artist never had clean intentions for their piece? Who are we to judge what a piece of art means? Though, this is what we, the artist, sign up for. We put our piece - our ART - out in the public for others to judge and perceive with their personal vision.
Yet, there are also 'bad' intentions. Those in pornography and erotica. That is an entirely different subject, isn't it?
Who are we to say? What is "empowering" and what is "demeaning" to the human form?
This quote from the article says is best.
"We don’t really know the artist’s intent – And we’re left with our own reaction to the artwork for judging its artistic worth and merit. That’s the problem."
The article left off with several questions for the reader. Questions that I plan to answer with my own personal opinion, and questions I hope that you may wish to answer as well. Whoever "you" may be. Opinion is important. It is what builds up ourselves as individuals, and sets us apart from other people. What I think may not be just what you think, either.
"Do you think there is too much nude subject matter on deviantART or is it a non-issue for you? How much do you think your gender or sexual preferences might influence your answer?"
This one addresses more personally to the website. Nevertheless, I'll answer. I don't think there's "too much". What I think there is "too much" of is people claiming something that is blatantly pornography as art, or clearly show no effort in their work to photograph it. This is evident more in photography than painting/drawing/etc. At least, I seem to think so. When a set of breasts are photographed with a cell phone camera, that is not art. No matter how much you try to defend it. As for gender and sexual preference, this is a sensitive subject. I do believe these heavily influence our opinions on the matter, whether we may want to admit it or not. A male may find no problem with a nude image of a woman, while the females in our society may think otherwise.
When is censorship of art permissible? Where would you draw the line? What rational rule could you offer as a practical guideline?
Censorship in art... now, this is difficult to adress. I don't think you can really censor art, no matter how much you try. It makes this appear like a trick question, actually. No matter how much of an effort you put out, the artist will not censor it just for your personal tastes. I certainly wouldn't.
Have you ever had a work of art you created censored or banned in any way?
None that I am aware of, fortunately.
If an artist really believes in what he or she has created, how should the artist respond to censorship of that art? Have you been made aware of an instance of “art suppression” via the Internet?
Firstly, an artist is always going to believe and defend their work. It is their 'baby', so to speak. Still, they need to be civil about it and respond in a mature manner. This is important in life and the professional world, in any career, whether it be Art or Anthropology. And there have been several instances of art suppression on the internet. Several that I believe were unjustified. It really is unfair that people can't understand that fine line between what is art and what is not. Though, I don't blame them when the line is so fuzzy. It's not our right to judge.
Would you ever suggest to another artist that he or she should tone a work of art down or agree to the censorship of an art object in a specific situation?
Absolutely not! Granted, if the work clearly shows little effort, than yes, I will be offended. If the art is clearly artistic nude, rather than a shoddy webcam photo of your...for a lack of better words...dick, then this is a different scenario. You see, it's such a fine line, but I believe people should embrace artistic nudity. Not pornography. Artistic Nude. I'm intent that these two things are entirely different, and should be treated as such.
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