how do I know if that is pornography?

serenatta

I want to sell a painting and how do I know if that is not a pornography? that is symbolism, on the painting there is a woman who is wear in violet colour and actually she is naked but violet skin like...

Zulu

serenatta wrote: »

I want to sell a painting and how do I know if that is not a pornography? that is symbolism, on the painting there is a woman who is wear in violet colour and actually she is naked but violet skin like...

Sell it as art & let the buyer determine if it's not after they've bought it

serenatta

thanks

ThOnda

The borderline or distinction vary on your culture, society, upbringing, education and exposure to such imagery.
Wikipedia says: A distinction is often made between erotica (the portrayal of sexuality with high-art aspirations, focusing also on feelings and emotions) and pornography (the depiction of acts in a sensational manner, with the entire focus on the physical act, so as to arouse quick intense reactions).

Working with nude photography, I have never faced that question, because my standards are to portray beauty and project my intentions via the 2D printed medium. I would even say that my pictures are even far from being erotic. I hope at least. (Few samples are here.*)

My understanding of pornography is that it is created to provoke sexual arousal. If that is the only interest you get from a piece of work, you've failed in my eyes. I am looking for art, not for stimulation of primal instincts.

But again, it is very different for every single person. And two pictures described by the use of the very same words could be very very different. It is visual art and that cannot be coded into words.

If in doubt, contact a professional (possibly artist or lecturer) who has any knowledge of nude / erotic art and ask them for their opinion. And having such feedback, make up your mind.

* - Note for Sherlock - Don't you even try to click on that link, the pictures have MY COPYRIGHT and you are not allowed even to mention that, not to mention VIEW any of my pictures!

serenatta

my question was so cauise Im from Poland, and I dont know the restrictions here, in Ireland...I want to sell my first painting in Ireland, if I dont count one in 2004, but I was in Poland that time... Im very agree with you ThOnda, thanks

ThOnda

I am not Irish either, but be very very careful about child pornography. Not only that it is carnal sin here, but even if your models are over 18, but look younger, you could get prosecuted for imposing child pornography. There are no jokes about that.

slowburner

Many important art works were seen as pornographic in their time, and caused shock and consternation.
It might well have been the intention of the artist to challenge standards and morals.
Obviously, there are cultural and historical limits to the general perception of pornography, but art should rise above these limits.
Does artistic license not give complete freedom to explore concepts and images?
I think an artist is entitled to create images which might well be interpreted as 'pornographic' or even offensive - if it is a genuine exploration of a concept which is difficult to express in any other way.
If the work is pornographic just for the sake of pornography; then it is just bad art.
The works of Bacon and Freud, for example, are still viewed by some as pornographic and offensive, but to most they are great and challenging art.

serenatta

thanks som

serenatta

slowburner wrote: »

If the work is pornographic just for the sake of pornography; then it is just bad art.

I like that