When does art become risque?

Answer 1

Good question. Two examples of contradicting opinion -

1. I was showing some work at a group show in a church gymnasium. I decided against taking down my tasteful life drawings after the Sunday Service let out, for the sake of art. One aged parishioner gasped when she saw my work, sputtering "Why would anyone want to see a naked body? It's so ugly!" Behind her, her husband just shook his head sadly... But then another sprightly woman responded to the drawings with "Oh how lovely! I think the human body is a beautiful thing - do you think they would let me pose for artists? I'm only 72!"

2. I sent a link from my website to a friend, and the page named "nudes" couldn't be opened by his computer at work. I renamed the page "figure drawings" and it opened right away. My friend works as a commercial artist... I guess the boss doesn't mind his staff looking at naked figures, but nudes are out of the question.

It's a cultural thing. I believe the defining line of pornography is "insertion", but even that doesn't give any guidelines for what is acceptable in one neighbourhood and not in another.

Just go with your instincts. Rest assured, there's always someone who will find offense in something.

Answer 2

That is the $64000 question which has been debated for decades if not centuries. What makes me uncomfortable may not upset you at all and vice versa. One should not be uncomfortable with nudity in art but then if it becomes obscene nudity where do we draw the line. No pun intended.

Answer 3

When It makes the middle class look away, then its risque, while when it makes a working class person look away it is vulgar.

Answer 4

Maybe you havent seen my questions yet :P but yes, I do agree!! and I have also thought about taking a Vacation soon too, indefinitely!! :] Good question by the way!

Answer 5

According to the mainstream when there is ANY nudity in it. Totally diagree but that seems to be how it is.

Answer 6

When it becomes difficult to look at without wincing.