Admiring the Male Form – Positive View on Artistic Objectification of Nude Male Body

Admiring the Male Form – Positive View on Artistic Objectification of Nude Male Body

Any objectification of a human body is usually critiqued for reducing people to their physical attributes. But is objectification really always a bad thing? Or can objectification be positive? How about the admiration of the human form? 

When it comes to the male body and how it's portrayed in art, it always heavily depends heavily on the artist’s intent, or the context of the work, and/or how viewers of that artwork define the objectification.

I am an artist who paints and draws the male form. I do think that the question of the objectification of the male body is a very complex one, with many aspects and nuances, among which there are positive ones.

Yes, sometimes it happens that some artists can objectify models, male and female. But we, artists, can also humanize, celebrate and mythologize them! In my opinion, it’s not straightaway an objectification just because we study and show models' bodies on canvas.

While working with male models who pose nude for me, I often idealize their forms. When I say this I am not talking about the so-called "standards" of the male beauty. I am talking about in a sense an adjustment in order to create a form that is appropriate for a more harmonious composition I have in mind. This happens differently in each individual case of each artwork. Sometimes there is a simplification, and in sometimes, on the contrary, an intensification.

Let's stay on the bright side and turn to some positive aspects of showing the nude male form in art:

Self-Esteem


For some men, being admired or desired physically can boost confidence and self-esteem, especially in a society that historically hasn’t emphasized male beauty and male vulnerability.

While viewing a nude male body in an artistic representation (painting or drawing) men often identify themselves with the image on the canvas.

It's not a secret that traditionally men supposed to feel unattractive. But now, despite the fact that tradition instills in men their own ugliness, they might find value in a male form being shown in art as desirable.


Emotions


This artistic objectification – which in my terms is a good thing, remember – so, this artistic objectification often opens the door for men to explore their own vulnerability, their own beauty and softness – all those traits traditionally discouraged in male identity.

Standards of Male Image


I absolutely believe that discussions around the nude male form in art will lead to discussions around objectification of men in general. And as a result, discussions will arise around the standards of the male image. The unrealistic standards that almost all men face – abs, height, muscle mass, etc. Critical thinking is good thing. 

Of course, this artistic objectification of nude male body is only good if done respectfully, with love to the artistic object (male body) and... yes, on consensual grounds.


Male Figure Line Drawing, Gay Men Original Art Man Body Minimal Wall Decor




Dimitri Ross

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