Introduction
The practice of depicting human nakedness has been evolving for the last few centuries, with marked changes being witnessed. There was a general distaste for viewing images of naked people in the past, but the new wave of liberalization has changed this aspect. People are bolder and more comfortable with nakedness compared with the past when it was almost considered a taboo. This essay compares pornography and artistic nude photographs, given the thin line which exists between the two.
Similarities
Pornography and artistic nude photographs both depict images of naked human beings. The two forms of expression were initially focused on naked men but gradually began appreciating naked women (Eaton). The nakedness of participants is appreciated by the enthusiasts of both forms in different ways. Pornography and artistic nudity have a widespread global following with people in every corner of the world, making a crucial parcel of enthusiastic fans. Both nude art and pornography have a business aspect attached to them, with creators seeking to make a profit.
Differences
Nudity in art is an early subject that has extensive recognition, while pornography is an intolerable manifestation established more lately. Artistic nude photographs and images have existed for several decades now, with the form of art becoming widely accepted. In ancient Greece, images of naked men were popular and were the main form of expression of nude art. These naked men depicted the gods these people believed in and they were therefore not expected to be donned in clothes. Gradually, nude art was appreciated in many parts of the world and generally practiced (Eaton). Nude art has been expressed in various forms, including statues and sculptures. Paintings and drawings from centuries ago also depict the presence of nude art and its practice. Nude art and pornography have recently been practiced using naked women, and this indicates a major change in the art.
Nudity in art is natural and envisioned to guarantee that the viewers appreciate the human body, while pornography is only projected to provoke sexual moods in the audience. Nudity in art has been marveled for many years now, with humans seeking to appreciate how good or bad they can look (Eaton). The purpose of artistic nude photographs has been to remind people of either the power or limits of the human body. Modern pornography is nowadays broad and covers the nakedness of men and women alike. Pornography is used for actions that would be regarded as immoral from various human standpoints (Eaton). Images obtained through phonographic shots are sometimes used for masturbation by those who enjoy viewing them. This is entirely contrasted to nudity in art, where erotic feelings are disregarded, and people just marvel at the beauty of the photographs taken. In art, the message being communicated can be either negative or positive, in contrast with pornography, where the message is always sexual.
The posing of models in taking pictures for pornography and nude art also differs as pornography requires them to pose in erotic positions. Nudity in art implores artists to pose in a manner that promotes their deeper nakedness and does not appear erotic. Artists in pornographic shoots always focus on their private parts and erotic organs of the human body. In male pornography, the images are shot in a manner that ensures the phallus is the point of focus (Eaton). Women have more erotic zones, and pornography for them tends to take focus on most of these areas, including breasts, buttocks, and the vagina. When a person views a pornographic image, their first impulse is to feel sexually aroused from these organs, which are given precedence over the rest of the body. When a person views nudity in art, they can appreciate so many aspects of the human body without noticing the erotic body parts. Even when these parts are noticed, it is in passing and the feelings aroused are not erotic but those of admiration for art.
Nudity in art is an acknowledged practice of communication in the world, while pornography is dejected in countless civilizations. Nude art is an accredited and accepted career within many countries in the world, and artists are consequently licensed to express themselves. Pornography, on the other hand, is outlawed in many countries, with strict fines being prescribed for those found violating these laws (Jarłaczyńska-Kardela). This ensures that the practice of pornography is illegal and done with immense caution for fear of legal repercussions. Pornography is also unaccepted amongst community members, and this action is in tandem with their beliefs. These include religious and societal beliefs that discourage their members from engaging in such practices. Several religious books discourage lust, the very purpose of pornographic content that is not artistic. Concerning their religious practices, these faiths encourage their followers to disregard pornography or any other such content that may hamper their beliefs (Nguyen and Williams). Nudity in art, on the other hand, is a passion that is encouraged by educational institutions which offer aspiring artists a platform to learn their trade.
The expression of nudity in art and pornography is also massively varied amongst many societies across the globe. What one person may assess as pornography may be considered nudity in art by others, and it is essential to note that views may sometimes be subjective. In most cases, however, the difference between the two is crystal clear. The obvious differences are based on the parameters discussed in the preceding paragraphs. In cases when it is difficult to determine whether an image is pornographic or nudity in art, the opinion of the artist is given priority (Jarłaczyńska-Kardela). The opinion of the photographer is offered precedence due to their inherent intention when capturing the images. Some artists do proudly claim their work and intentions for producing it in the first instance hence ease in identification.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pornography and nudity in the art are expressions of the naked human body. This practice is deeply rooted in human history and practices in general, given the adoration for the same. Nudity in art is generally considered honorable and treated with reverence compared to pornography. While artistic nude photos have been in existence since time immemorial, pornography is a fairly new concept without great roots. Nude artistry strives to praise the human body, while pornography is entirely focused on desire and arousal. Nude photography is widely accepted, and its shoots are not erotically inspired compared to pornography, which is loathed, and the poses of models focused on depicting erotic body organs. Sometimes confusions arise when different audiences cannot agree on whether an image is nude art or photography. During this instance, the intentions of the artist and their views are given precedence.
Works Cited
Eaton, A W. ““A Lady on the Street but a Freak in the Bed”: On the Distinction between Erotic Art and Pornography.” The British Journal of Aesthetics, vol. 58, no. 4, 2018, pp. 469–488.
Jarłaczyńska-Kardela, Alicja. “Legal and Ethical Aspects of Pornography in Comparison with Nude Art in the Context of Dignity of Human Body.” Gdańskie Studia Międzynarodowe, vol. 18, no. 1-2, 2020, pp. 286–299.
Nguyen, C. Thi, and Bekka Williams. “Moral Outrage Porn.” Journal of Ethics and Social Philosophy, vol. 18, no. 2, 2020.