I decided to re-write this blog post, as it felt appropriate for February. Nude art is one of my favorite forms of art. The last time I shared on this topic, the conversation was superb… so I wanted to revisit and see if your thoughts had changed. How do you feel about displaying nude art in your home? Do you have any installed? Would you purchase nude art? Does nude art make you feel uncomfortable? Today, we’re deep diving into a fun (and possibly controversial) design discussion. I’ve found that people either love it or hate it. That’s the awesome thing about art though- it’s in the eye of the beholder. Hopefully this is a fun read that shares a unique perspective (from an interior designer and art major). Click through to read and weigh in…
My Background
Growing up in a tiny rural town, I really didn’t see nude artwork until visiting a museum on a field trip in high school. I had always been interested in art of all kinds and didn’t particularly think anything of the nude sculptures at the museum. They were neither here nor there. As I became more into fine art and eventually went off to college to study just that, I really began to love and admire classical works: sculptural pieces, gesture and figure drawings, as well as blind contours. Anything that depicted form in an interesting way.
My first college drawing class started out amazing- each class we’d spend three hours sketching still life scenes of inanimate objects, looking into the mirror for self portraits, or working on blind contour drawings to expand our charcoal skills. Halfway through the semester, I showed up to drawing class and in the center of the room was a model in a robe. The drawing timer started, the model dropped his robe, and the class began sketching. My small town, immature, younger self was probably blushing, but eventually I learned that I really enjoyed sketching portraits of live models (nude or clothed). It became a class activity I genuinely looked forward to.
The following year of university, I delved into the art history side of things- and actually got a BA in art history because my minor turned into a major passion. I had the incredible opportunity to study in the fine art mecca of the world… Florence, Italy. I was surrounded by the best art & architecture. It was really a dream come true, that really helped shape my creativity, aesthetic, and design mindset.
I got to see works from the greats in person, becoming fully entranced with beautiful and historic pieces from the past. It was hard to believe that only a year prior, looking at my first nude model in drawing class was so… shocking. Ha! I guess this is kind of turning into a “coming of age” story. I’ll wrap this up! During my time in Italy, I observed hundreds of pieces of nude art, then continued with my art history courses once I returned to the states the following year.
I absolutely cherish the time I spent studying and practicing fine art in my twenties. I know most people don’t get to experience art in that type of setting, but it really did change the way I looked at it- nude art in particular. It was ubiquitous in museums, Europe, and my overall college education.
Thoughts on Form & Body Image
In addition to the beauty and classical or historic nature of nude figure drawings or sculptural art, it really taught me to look at my own body from a different perspective. It seemed those portraits, paintings, and sculptures I spent years analyzing looked nothing like the editorial magazines I grew up reading in the nineties. The bodies were portrayed in a different way- and better yet, they were all beautiful! It is art, after all. Seeing plush figures, average anatomy, and curvy forms in art felt refreshing to me. Of course there is also the (literally) chiseled abs on certain greek gods and gladiators, but for many of the female subjects I studied in my art history classes, it was nice to see softer forms.
If we’re being honest here, like many young ladies- I struggled with body image during my late teens and early 20s. It wasn’t until looking at art, of all things, that I came to realize my body was pretty great after all. For me personally, nude art helped me learn to love my body and normalize it. It taught me that all bodies are worthy of being art- no matter the shape or size… which I think is pretty incredible!
My Designer Picks
Click directly on each work of art below to be redirected.
I totally understand that full frontal nudity can be a lot. I think there are plenty of ways to display nude art in ways that match your comfort level or taste- some nude gestural drawings don’t even show any of the bits- no crack or cleavage in sight. Ha! You get what I’m saying though… display whatever type of art makes you happy and is best for your home and its inhabitants.
My mom once asked me why I had so many nude pieces of art throughout our home (she’s not a fan). At the time I didn’t really know what to say. I like it? It’s beautiful to me? It reminds me of classical and historic works I love. It reminds me to love my body. It feels intimate. That question really made me think. My mother and I don’t share the same taste in art, among many other things- but that’s ok. My point here is to say, nude art makes some people uncomfortable and that’s totally fine.
If you’re not into this type of art, find other pieces you absolutely love in different subject matters. If you are into figure drawings that may or may not be nude, bring those works into your home and enjoy them. If you like this type of art and other people in your home do not- you could also try a more abstract figure, or watercolor piece. There are also plenty of gorgeous clothed gesture or line drawings to be found… like the one pictured below.
FAQ
Great question! We actually have many nieces & nephews- we even host them over summer vacation. We’ve only had one nephew comment on our nude art, and I approached it with my sister-in-law the same way I did in this post… it’s art. Our bodies are normal, this type of artwork is common, and I think it’s beautiful.
I think you’re thinking of intaglios or cameos! The below image is of an original collection we sold at the Tuesday Made shop earlier this year. Aren’t they beautiful?
At the end of the day, find art that makes you feel something. Bring artwork into your home you think is beautiful. Install a painting or sculpture that reminds you of something (a memory, a person, a place, etc), makes you smile, or brings you happiness. While I don’t sketch, draw, or paint as much these days, I certainly enjoy thrifting nude works of art. In fact- we’re currently in Italy, and I’m hoping to pop into an antique store or two. Maybe I can uncover something beautiful?
Related
Looking for more art related posts or thoughtful design discussions? I’ve got plenty and I’ll link some favorites for you below…
- How to Easily Layout and Install a Gallery Wall
- Traditional Neutral Gallery Wall Picks
- Design Discussion: Taxidermy
- How to Choose the Best Picture Light for Your Artwork
- Quick Plaster Bust DIY
- Creating Your Own Photographic Art
- Design Discussion : Stacked Laundry Units
- How to Make DIY Pressed Flower Wall Art
- How to Turn Inexpensive Framed Art Into Custom Artwork
- Custom Framing Art Tips, Cost, and Frame Selection Ideas
For me, nude art reminds me of my art history days jaunting from museums to cathedrals analyzing incredible work- all while learning to appreciate my body. It makes me feel traveled, it connects me to artists in an intimate way, and I simply like the aesthetic. I’m so interested to know if you like and appreciate nude art- or if it isn’t your cup of tea? No hard feelings or judgement either way- I know it’s not for everyone. Regardless, I hope this was a fun and different type of design discussion that helps you determine what type of art you enjoy and why. Here’s to a wonderful week!
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