Who Likes Fine Art Nudes? (choice, sexuality)

[Mercy Not Sacrifice]

Originally Posted by standing_alone

Well, actually I have no strong opinion on this fine art nude photography you speak of, but the site that you told me about a while back asking for my opinion on certainly was tastefully done, though the narrow defination of beauty that particular photographer had. It is something I never search to look at, but there was certainly a difference between that photography and pornography. Unfortunately, many in our society automatically associate nudity with pornography and sex - likely due to the repression of sexuality in our society. So though I am not a connoiseur of this photography, nor go out of my way to view it, when I come across it, I appreciate it for its artistic qualities.

My setiments exactly. Nothing to add.

[evearael]

Nude sculpture, paintings, photos, drawings... I think the human form is beautiful and that there is nothing 'dirty' or 'wrong' about capturing it. I am partial to the female form, for whatever reason. Most pictures that are done for pornography rather than art, tend to look silly to me... I react differently to them on a subconscious level. I'm not sure if it is the unnatural poses or the implied commoditization of the female form that disinterests me.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Jayhawker Soule

Let it go, Sunstone. You walk into a store and notice three books:

1. Male Nudes
2. Female Nudes
3. The Ecology of Your Carrot Garden

Which do you find more interesting?

I know this was addressed to Sunstone, but I'd like to make a point here, Jay. The choice between the above three is hardly likely to be fair (whether you are looking at the motives for looking at the books or not). If I was wanting to look at art, I would obviously pick the one on female nudes, a) because I find the male body rather unattractive, b) because I am not going to see art i the book about my garden carrots).

There is a distinct difference between looking at the female nude for the sake of voyeurism and for the appreciation of the beauty; and I know why I look at the art.

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by evearael

Most pictures that are done for pornography rather than art, tend to look silly to me... I react differently to them on a subconscious level. I'm not sure if it is the unnatural poses or the implied commoditization of the female form that disinterests me.

Might it also have something to do with the simple fact that most pornographers, apparently, have not learned to take an even marginally competent photograph? For every work of porn that is properly lighted, there are at least thirty that are overexposed. For every work of porn that is properly framed, there are at least ten that are not. For every work of porn that is not cliche there are a hundred that are no different from the rest. Etc. etc. etc. Most pornographers simply are not trying to produce quality art: they are trying to produce snap shots. Perhaps they lack the competence to do anything else. But the net effect is that you often get a photo that strangely looks like something taken at a crime scene or police line-up. Even the best seldom rise above the level of high school year book photos. I don't mean to put down porn, but only to put down the notion that it is typically artistic.

Originally Posted by Danisty

The nude models weren't always particularly attractive people, although I have to say, when one really studies their form in such an intimate way as drawing it, all people become attractive in their own way.

Frubals! I've found precisely the same thing. Moreover, would you agree that what you learn by drawing people, you often take with you to the streets, so that when you see other people you appreciate them with something of the same eye you developed by drawing someone?

[Sunstone]

I'm astounded there hasn't been even one negative vote yet! Do we all enjoy fine art nudes? Is there no one who dislikes them? This is quite unusual on any topic for there to be this much consensus, don't you think?

[Buttercup]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Who else enjoys fine art nudes? And why do you like them?

Black and white photos of humans unclothed are beautiful. I prefer black and white because there's an air of mystery and romance and in some cases, a sense of loneliness that I find attractive. Because we see people every day in color...black and white lends a mysterious aura and is very flattering to skin tone and texture. It's strange that I very seldom find a fully nude photograph of a person sexy. I only find photos of people scantily clad to be sexy....Guess I'm weird.

[Jaymes]

I adore nude art. I love being able to admire the beauty of someone without being called a perv.

[Bishka]

I like fine art nudes, but not photography. I like paintings, statues, etc., but not photography. I haven't quite figured this one out yet, but I'm sure it will come to me (as soon as I get this glass out of my foot!)

Edit: I voted no, only because you asked about photographs, in any other medium, I think they are beautiful.