November 26, 2013

• Nudes

  As an artist one of my most studied subjects has been the nude. While a student at Alfred I logged over 50 credit hours in figure studies. I even modeled for classes. There is something intrinsically beautiful in the human form. Here, exists a true grace, the naked body.

  

  "The Unwanted"

  In nature man searches for duplicity, seeking connections and striving to find analogies. We study ripples in water to better understand earthquakes. We study the behavior of mice to better understand our own psychological make up. We study the human figure to better know how our bodies function in a given space.

  Our society suffers from an unusual hypocrisy with regards to nudity. On the one hand nudity is banned in public forums, broadcast television, family friendly entertainment and so on, yet subtle allusions to nudity are acceptable. Sheer tightfitting clothing leaves little to the imagination. Even less imagination is required to find images of less than artistic nudes on the internet.

  We are awkward and ashamed of our own nudity and yet yearn to express our true naked selves. There are those who perhaps under the influence of alcohol or in a moment of reckless abandon relinquish the bonds of cloth and fiber and reveal themselves as the naked creatures we all know ourselves to be. But most of us recognize and surrender to the social taboo associated with nakedness.

  

  "Exotic Dancers"

  So what is it I see when I study the nude, with brushes in hand? I see masses of color, reflecting light and casting shadows. I see dynamic tension as the skeleton struggles against gravity to maintain posture. I sense the rhythm of the universe in the pulsations of arteries and respirations.

  In the face of the model there exists a revelation of the spirit, try as it might to hide behind the material veil of skin and hair. From the eyes and lips, the true spirit pours forth.

  I see proportions, some classical and some distorted, not conforming to the classical model. I see strength and weakness combating over the same mass of muscles as the model struggles to maintain a pose. I see purpose and beauty. I see truth unrivaled by ostentatious fashions. I see sensuality and desire, a yearning to be caressed and to belong and to also be free. I see our humanity.

  

  "The Minotaur in Contemplation"

  The nude is not a perverse thing, but we, the society of mankind has errantly tried to make it so. We are tolerant of nearly every behavior and belief, but are ashamed of our own naked selves.

  

  "Eve in Contemplation"

  I should like to focus more of my energy painting the nude, if but for no other reason, than to fly in the face of conformity. There must be some value in breaking away from our traditional view of nudity and embracing the naked self.

  I will however for the time being confine this artistic expression to the canvas and refrain from wandering the streets in such a manner.

  There is one final note I am inclined to share, my brushes relinquish intimacy to the canvas. Every surface, every curve, every shadow, exposes not just the flesh that can be seen but also the nerve that is felt.

  

  • 10:03 PM
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