Mapplethorpe: Look At The Pictures Reflection
In watching the Robert Mapplethrope documentary, I remembered Professor diBenedetto said to the class that the documentary was supposed to help the audience answer the question: "What's the difference between nudity, fine art, and pornography?" The answer can be a very subjective, philosophical one for many." Nudity was something that has been depicted in art, for millennia. Michelangelo's "David" statue and "Creation of Adam" painting, as well as the European art trope of the "female nude painting" come to mind. I think nudity is most certainly intertwined with fine art because of this history. Though, nudity was done in what was perceived as graceful or high class, with strong religious themes typically tied with the artwork. I think nudity most definitely can be depicted in art and still maintain the label and associations of "fine art". Our Professor noted the displays of sex in photography and the broader art world, make general audiences feel that takes the category of fine art off the table. That those displays of sex in artwork are pornographic, and therefore not considered art. Professor diBenedetto discussed reasons of why sex can be art and she arrived at a broader cultural question, "Why is discussion of sex generally frowned upon in public forums in the United States?" And "Why do people feel afraid of sex?"
The answer of the first question I feel relates to the colonial histories of the United States. Protestants who settled into the United States had strict, mechanical beliefs about sex and the purpose of sexual acts. Public displays of sexuality in most forms was disapproved so much that it was outlawed. These morality and obscenity laws, I believe, have perhaps permeated into the public consciousness views on sexuality into the contemporary era. While the "Power of the Church", may have waned politically and socially in recent times, I maintain that its effect on culture. Perhaps this history and continuing morality clauses have a conscious or subconscious effect on the reasons why sex being displayed or discussed in public brings anxiety. Protestantism/conservative Religion with its sociopolitical power clearly has sway in the minds of many Americans. I speculate that the money and spread of political organization behind those political-religious groups has had an effect on peoples' cultural attitudes on sex. Whether or not people want to acknowledge the influence.
