Something to Bare: Why Nudity is the Highest Form of Art
Most likely for many of us, our first encounter with art appeared in the form of drawing and coloring. As we grew through the years we became acquainted with higher forms: sketching, pottery, painting and photography. Yet the highest form of them all, is nudity. This concept on its face is equally as controversial as it is personal. It's both shamed and idolized within our culture. It penetrates our sense of self-worth, confidence and perception of self-image. In spite of all the cultural taboos it faces, again, there stands no form of art more elevated than nudity. Let me make my case..
First, we must dismiss the idea that nudity is aligned with sunken morals; that it flirts with immorality and promotes indecency. Without rambling off into a tangent, this is largely accredited to conservative religious ideals, whose irony runs in the creation of all the renowned nude works inspired by Christianity. I can personally comprehend no reason as to why being in nude invokes diminished morals. How can the very form we arrive into this world serve as the same reason we're condemned to faulty ethos? It's the best place to begin understanding the innate beauty of nudity. It before anything else in our lives, announces our arrival and the start of our journeys. That alone is cause worth celebrating.
Second, some of world's most renowned works of art are nothing if not visual porn. Ironically brought to life by the same Christian influences many use today to condemn nudity, these works of art have proven themselves immortal. They carry on living on the pages of our textbooks, encased in glass prisms on museum walls and in the memories of countless photographs. Whether they be images of The Creation of Adam or The Last Judgement. These works rose to prominence not because of their creators nor what it was they represented, but the feelings they grew inside those who looked upon them. It was feelings of curiosity, awe, and admiration for how these works displayed such blatant naturalism. It was these ingredients that led to the making of their timelessness. That is why they still hang in galleries, adorned by endless lines of people merely hoping for a glimpse. Because nudity perhaps more than anything, makes us feel.
On an even more personal note, nudity portrays vulnerability, something that no other art form can showcase more. There are of course those who cast this benefit as a privilege of pulchritude, but that simply isn't true. In fact, it can be conversely argued that those who aren't of physical perfection, demonstrate greater vulnerability through nudity. Whichever stature you may be seen as, vulnerability is a key factor in nurturing senses of empowerment and growth. Many wouldn't think of nudity as an element of these things, however, when separated from ill-conceptions, it proves itself a wellspring for all forms of confidence. It gives us permission to explore our bodies so that we may appreciate ourselves in a less harsh, kinder light. After awhile if we're lucky, we put our vulnerability on display with others by making love and instilling trust in them, regardless of how long it may be. This is one of greatest acts of vulnerability, and also one of the strongest reasons for nudity being the highest form of art.
And there's my case, short and sweet. Now from this point on, don't ever indulge someone in dismissing the notion that nudity isn't art. Simply remember how we arrive, look to the skies for angels above, and never hesitate to be vulnerable.
