Triggered by Nude Art Models
Are Models Merely Products of a Superficial, Image-Based Culture?
Fellow art lover,
For many, the idea of “models” can poke at unhealed wounds.
They say that models reinforce unfair and unrealistic beauty standards. People often think of them as nothing more than products of a superficial, image-based culture.
That’s because commercial culture leverages our natural response to human beauty to manipulate and make us feel ashamed of our imperfections. Advertising strives to make us believe we must change our faces and bodies simply to be loved and accepted. It's reasonable to feel shame when we don’t see ourselves reflected in mainstream conceptions of beauty.
This pervasive and often life-long influence can damage our self-esteem and relationships. In contrast, art models invite us to take a fresh look at the role models can play in culture.
When presented as art, models are not attaching their sexuality or beauty to a brand for the sake of manipulation or marketing. Rather, they pose to inspire works of art for our contemplation and appreciation.
Art models don’t pretend to be perfect. They reveal themselves – exactly as they are – with courage and vulnerability to illuminate our shared humanity. They allow us to experience naked humanity as something exquisite that we all have in common.
Art models come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Anyone can be an exquisite work of art when seen through the eyes of a great artist!
Nude and figurative fine art models invite us to reclaim our experience of human beauty as a source of joy.
Enjoy! ❤️
David Bollt
Founder, Model Society
P.S. – Special thanks to Ralph Anderson for contributing the delicate top image to Model Society. His beautiful portfolio is full of creative and well-crafted classical-style figure studies.
P.P.S. – Discover the World’s Best Nude and Figurative Fine Art! Subscribe for a free issue of Model Society Magazine, inspiring newsletters, exclusive previews, and hand-picked images celebrating the beauty and dignity of the human form. The Model Society community features thousands of top models, photographers, and fans with a shared vision– to restore human beauty to its rightful place as a work of art.
Michelangelo’s David is a glorious representation of the human body. Instead of provoking feelings of inadequacy or incompleteness, it makes me feel inspired and awe-struck. The David invites us to see ourselves and all humanity standing on the pedestal with him.
Loved this!
"Art models come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Anyone can be an exquisite work of art when seen through the eyes of a great artist!" As one who has served as a nude art model nude for over 50 years, I heartily concur. However, I would like to point out that art models also come in more than one gender.