GinaPagnato Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 How do you feel about your dc viewing nudes in paintings and/or sculptures? I'm not talking gratuitous nudity here, I mean the "great" works of art that have nudity. I'm particularly interested in those of you with teenage sons. Do you attempt to avoid the works, dialogue about them, other? How have you and your dc handled this? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 I don't think twice about it. it isn't a secret that women have breasts/vaginas or that men have penises. Not a secret, not a big deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Never been a problem. We looked at them and discussed them. Art is art - even if it's nude. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang!Zoom! Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 The human body is a miracle. I couldn't look at it any other way in great art. I hope I'm passing on the same values and appreciation in my daughter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 I don't think twice about it. it isn't a secret that women have breasts/vaginas or that men have penises. Not a secret, not a big deal. Yep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 I don't think twice about it. it isn't a secret that women have breasts/vaginas or that men have penises. Not a secret, not a big deal. Never been a problem. We looked at them and discussed them. Art is art - even if it's nude. The human body is a miracle. I couldn't look at it any other way in great art. I hope I'm passing on the same values and appreciation in my daughter. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 I have never had a problem with this. In fact, I was so mad once when I purchased an encyclopedia from a homeschooler online and every partially nude person was wearing an outfit drawn in with magic marker. I guess she didn't consider that as marks because she listed the item like new. What a ding dong. My kids have never seemed to have a problem either. They never pointed and giggled. They just saw the pictures and artwork as no different from other pictures and artwork I guess. Of course, I never pointed out the art as being a problem. I would imagine that pictures that include marker clothing would catch their eye. I don't like the idea of my kids thinking nudity is ugly or sinful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendi Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Doesn't bother me, except that my son, 15 and an Aspie, still makes immature comments about works of art that contain nudity. :001_rolleyes: In his more "science geek" moments, though, he is able to understand that creating an accurate and beautiful representation of the human body is quite an achievement. Wendi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 I don't think twice about it. it isn't a secret that women have breasts/vaginas or that men have penises. Not a secret, not a big deal. Yes, this. In a great work of art, I don't have a problem with it. P*rn, yes, I have a problem with that. But true art, no. Depending on the child/work/situation, I might explain the context, like why the nudity was an integral part of the work, but mainly I'd just treat it as no big deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joani Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Never been a problem. We looked at them and discussed them. Art is art - even if it's nude. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dory Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 I've left studying that sort of art until after the kids have learned a little more about the body. I have mixed feelings about it all, but in the end, it is art, and it is just the human body, it's not like it's posed provocatively or anything, and so yes, we will be studying it. I doubt I'll ever visit Italy though. From my BIL pics most the statues are nude. I have oddly wondered sometimes if studying these pics will bring about a discussion about circumcision with my boys. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 I'm fine with it. I've got a lot more problem with the violence in movies. Nudity in art... no problem. (Gratuitous nudity in movies would be an issue.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 I think if one doesn't approve of them or is uncomfortable, it's better to study something else. I don't understand what's to be gained from blacking in outfits for David etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helena Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Once we did The Getty Villa (which they quickly named wiener town :D) we were over the hump of awkwardness. We don't handle it, we dive in head first to every art museum we visit. The kids are not interested in analyzing nude works. They tend to glide by them with a funny smile on their face. If you haven't already, I say take them, and see what kinds of wonderful conversation you may have as a result. It's okay if it turns out it's not your thing. We are all great works of art under our jeans and tee shirts! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 It doesn't bother me looking at the human form at all. One thing that did sort of bother me(only because I didn't think about it first) was I purchased a book on clay modeling. why did I not think about the human form I don't know. But it had clay modeling of the male human. I gave the book along with clay to dd12to progress through (she does art independent of me). She was a bit horrified, and I was a bit ashamed that I hadn't flicked through the book first. We ended up deciding to skip the book, and do rock art instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 I don't have a problem with it. I currently have this painting on the wall of our school room (which is one of the main rooms in our open-floorplan home) I had this painting on our schoolroom wall in the past: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LazyDazy Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Doesn't bother me but, I just overheard a conversation my boys had the other day. DS10: Look at that naked guy. DS12: Oh, that's 'The Thinker'. DS10: What's 'The Thinker'? DS12: It's a famous sculpture, but I don't know why he's naked. I would think better with clothes on. DS10: Yeah, me too. So at this point my boys don't seem to see the point. hehe ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 It hasn't bothered us either. We did Renaissance art this year. I did have a few thoughts of how Michelangelo felt about carving certain parts of a 18ft statue, but I did not share those thoughts. :lol: We're doing ancients next year, should be fun. Actually I think art is a very non-confrontational way to show the different aspects of a body. It's also good to see that all human forms are not created equal, and that is represented in art. Middle school ages can be such a trying time for self-esteem. Puberty hits at different rates, you start to see that you're developing differently from a friend, and it can be such a source of confusion. When you view a Botticelli or a Rubens it can make you feel less awkward. I'll never be a Botticelli, but Rubens thought my curvy shape was great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cajunrose Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 No problem at all....in fact 2 years ago I took my 7 year old to Paris. We went to the Louvre and she was pretty bored with most of it. My brother in law got her interested in the art by pointing out the nudes...she giggled and giggled. For her age, I was ok with that. In fact, when I downloaded the pictures from her camera (flash off), most of them were close ups of all types of body parts. It was rather amusing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cricket Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Nudity in art is not a problem at all here. I'm what most people would consider very conservative, but I don't get the masking tape and markers at all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Let's put it this way, my big kids think the renaissance period was nothing but bOOks and junk, I don't care if they see nudity in art, it is part of studying this time period. That said they are 12 &13, I would be more hesitant with my 8 & 4 yr olds, my 8 yr old is a little pervy at times so I would likely not allow him, he gets a little too fixated on things like that rather than the beauty of the whole piece of art. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veritaserum Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 I don't think twice about it. it isn't a secret that women have breasts/vaginas or that men have penises. Not a secret, not a big deal. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juniper Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 I try to be really understanding of different people's convictions. I have to say, if I found out someone I knew was degrading masterpieces with tape or markers I would never be able to look at them the same. Ugh, I hate to admit that about myself, but I would freak. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unity Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Not only do I not have a problem with it, I am perennially astonished that other people do. I have several naked art pictures on my wall, and one Rodin simulacrum miniature of one of the naked Danaides, and my children have grown up with these. I don't think the kids have once mentioned anything about nakedness in art. It's like it's its own special context, where nudity is par for the course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firefly Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 It doesn't bother me in the least. It's art, not p@rnography. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmmaNadine Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 There's a difference between art and porn, and if the human body is always seen as sexualized, then it creates problems with interpersonal dynamics. Typically this happens in a way that victimizes women (e.g. "she was asking for it" defenses of sexual violence against women because of how she was dressed) and removes personal accountability from men. Modesty should be about self-respect, and not about giving women the responsibility to make sure men keep themselves in line. Sorry for the tangent; this is a pet issue of mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ipsey Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Don't have an issue with it here. I love Bougereau and have two small prints in my house. Here are several of my faves. http://www.shmoop.com/cupid-eros/photo-not-mood-for-love.html (In my bedroom) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:William-Adolphe_Bouguereau_(1825-1905)_-_The_Wave_(1896).jpg (in a bathroom) http://www.wikipaintings.org/en/william-adolphe-bouguereau/child-at-bath (adore this one but don't have it) And this one that's not even a nude :) http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Not-Too-Much-to-Carry-Posters_i7402099_.htm It's just not an issue in our house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 No that's the problem...no ding dong. :lol: I couldn't help myself. :lol: yeah, yeah, yeah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Doesn't bother me but, I just overheard a conversation my boys had the other day. DS10: Look at that naked guy. DS12: Oh, that's 'The Thinker'. DS10: What's 'The Thinker'? DS12: It's a famous sculpture, but I don't know why he's naked. I would think better with clothes on. DS10: Yeah, me too. So at this point my boys don't seem to see the point. hehe ;) That's great! My boys are like that too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 I did have a few thoughts of how Michelangelo felt about carving certain parts of a 18ft statue, but I did not share those thoughts. :lol: *snort* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yucabird Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 I have never had a problem with this. In fact, I was so mad once when I purchased an encyclopedia from a homeschooler online and every partially nude person was wearing an outfit drawn in with magic marker. I guess she didn't consider that as marks because she listed the item like new. What a ding dong. My kids have never seemed to have a problem either. They never pointed and giggled. They just saw the pictures and artwork as no different from other pictures and artwork I guess. Of course, I never pointed out the art as being a problem. I would imagine that pictures that include marker clothing would catch their eye. I don't like the idea of my kids thinking nudity is ugly or sinful. :iagree:(Bold mine) I (unknowlingly) purchased a censored book as well :glare:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 No that's the problem...no ding dong. :lol: I couldn't help myself. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Somebody had to say it. It might as well have been you. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Oh, forgot to say that it's not an issue here either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoPlaceLikeHome Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 That does not bother me at all (at any age). :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annandatje Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 How do you feel about your dc viewing nudes in paintings and/or sculptures? I'm not talking gratuitous nudity here, I mean the "great" works of art that have nudity. I'm particularly interested in those of you with teenage sons. Do you attempt to avoid the works, dialogue about them, other? How have you and your dc handled this? Thanks! I sincerely hope that my son and daughters have repeated opportunities to view the beautiful nude human body in works of art. No, we do not avoid nude artwork. In fact, we go the extra mile (or 100s or 1000s of miles) to enjoy the paintings and sculptures on display. Do we dialogue about the art? Well, yes, I guess you could consider a study of art history and art appreciation a dialogue. How have we handled it? I don't know how to answer that other than I have taken pains to make sure they are exposed to actual masterpieces of artwork throughout their young lives. If you are asking whether any of them responded with embarrassment, the answer is no. Honestly, for the majority of my life, I never realized that some parents had issues or concerns surrounding nude artwork. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DianeW88 Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 I have absolutely no problem with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoVanGogh Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 In my next life, I hope to be an art historian or conservationist. We study a lot of art at our house, nudes included. We went to the Louvre in Paris last year and didn't bat an eye at all the nudes. In fact, it felt so "natural" to be surrounded by such lovely works of art that we hardly noticed how many were nudes. Until we got home and looked at our vacation pictures, that is. :lol: We did decide to edit/censor the pictures we showed our friends with younger children. Casual snapshots from certain angles were not as lovely as looking at the original pieces or at art books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Although I also think better with clothes on, I have no problems with nudity in art, and was fine with my kids viewing it at any age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 How do you feel about your dc viewing nudes in paintings and/or sculptures? I'm not talking gratuitous nudity here, I mean the "great" works of art that have nudity. I'm particularly interested in those of you with teenage sons. Do you attempt to avoid the works, dialogue about them, other? How have you and your dc handled this? Thanks! It doesn't matter to me. Big difference between art and Play____ magazine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Not a worry in any way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 No that's the problem...no ding dong. :lol: I couldn't help myself. Oh, my! :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 I have no problem with it. We are very conservative, and they see no nudity otherwise, but I no problem with nudity in a masterpiece. Ou rmuseum has several beautiful Rubens. I'm not big on nudity in more modern art. We avoid that. We once mistakenly wandered into a small temporary exhibit at the local art museum, and it was full of messed up nude women with neon nipples. We left laughing, but it wasn't necessarily something I wanted them to see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer3141 Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 There's no problem with either art OR the human body in our house. Was this a real question??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkle Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 It doesn't bother me and I've never avoided it or tried covering it up... ..unlike, say, these homeschoolers: Naked Statue of Greek God Horrifies California Homeschoolers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Doesn't bother me but, I just overheard a conversation my boys had the other day. DS10: Look at that naked guy. DS12: Oh, that's 'The Thinker'. DS10: What's 'The Thinker'? DS12: It's a famous sculpture, but I don't know why he's naked. I would think better with clothes on. DS10: Yeah, me too. So at this point my boys don't seem to see the point. hehe ;) Aw that was a cute conversation to overhear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 It doesn't bother me and I've never avoided it or tried covering it up... ..unlike, say, these homeschoolers: Naked Statue of Greek God Horrifies California Homeschoolers Um... yeah. That makes homeschoolers look bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Not even on my radar. My children have seen art nudes since they were toddlers. I've never made any attempt to avoid it nor did I make a big deal about it. We talked about the artist, the subject of the painting, the style. I treated nudes like I did any other great work of art. I think my daughter was the only one who ever made a comment about it making her uncomfortable. We talked about it and then I am pretty sure she got over it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Although I also think better with clothes on, I have no problems with nudity in art, and was fine with my kids viewing it at any age. Now see, I do my best thinking in the shower. Clothing not required:). Too bad I don't have a waterproof method to record how I will change the world because, alas, I always forget when I am out and facing life again:). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 If I tried to shield them from it, we would have missed out on many, many trips to the National Gallery, not to mention trips to the Met, the Louvre, the d'Orsay, the SAAM, and numerous other art museums we've enjoyed. That or I would need to pack small blindfolds at all times. Like someone else said above, I also try to respect different opinions and approaches, but I'd have trouble with this one. I don't think I'd be able to see it as anything but a misguided projection of one's own discomfort with basic sexuality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 I (unknowlingly) purchased a censored book as well :glare:. Looks like another question to ask when buying curriculum..... Is it from a smoke-free home and uncensored?:D We have many art history books, including a volume of nudes. We keep these on a shelf where the children can look at them so that they can learn to appreciate that they are works of art, and are nothing to be ashamed of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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