“A naked person who appears in a painting or photograph is said to be nude, a euphemistic but more socially acceptable term referring to the unclothed human body”. While nude is a more appropriate term for reference, it is not seen as tolerant for public viewing, particularly in photography. When people view paintings displaying nudity, the artwork as a whole is judged, whereas in a photograph, the models and the photographer themselves are judged. Public Privacy was created to show off the beauty in nudity, which is often pushed to be kept private, and bring a public and positive light to viewing the human body, much like how it is admired in other areas in the art world, such as in sculptures and paintings. It is believed that nudity is only tasteful when done modestly, however if an artwork stirs an emotion, even eroticism, then it is still art.
Public Privacy brings out the elegant nature of nudity in photography. The photographs range from modest to erotic to demonstrate that beauty is found on both ends of the spectrum. With the use of fabrics, paint, and Photoshop manipulation to make the models appear as living sculptures, they begin to tie back into bringing nudity into a more acceptable light socially. By introducing layered and introverted images, I bring Surrealism into the photograph. Taking out the identities of the models limits the ability to place judgement on the person and their mannerisms and instead drawing more attention to the artistic value.
In creating Public Privacy, I constructed a safe working space for the models who allowed me to express my views of nude photography and bring these private and beautiful moments to be displayed as public works of art. With the relationship I built with each model, I felt we were able to bring down a wall of insecurity which allowed them to move freely in front of the camera with no shame. Just as it was in front of the camera, I encourage viewers to leave behind any degradation of the models and simply view the photographs for the works of art that they are.
Cheeky
Gentle
Arch
3am
Androgyny
Closer
Face Me
Dip
Sleek
Lounge
Painted
Touched
Secrets
Slipping
Intertwined
What's your favorite image? What are you drawn to?
Thank you!