This last installment of the four part series on Randy Craig takes us to the fairly controversial topic in photography of art nudes. Where do we draw the line between nude images as art and nude images as an unacceptable form of expression? These questions are not easy to answer. Another photographer Bill Henson learned this fact the hard way. We examined Bill Henson’s case in earlier posts on our blog.

We cannot discuss the  topic of art nudes properly without contextualizing it in freedom of expression. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights reminds us that freedom of expression is so fundamental that people enjoy it wherever they are and whatever their background or circumstance. The relevant portion of the Covenant states:

Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.

Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of our democratic society. It proceeds on the premise that our being human entails living in this world with others in a continuous state of interaction and communication with them. The guarantee of freedom of expression protects the many ways by which we express ourselves including our various art forms like photography. Art nudes are protected by the guarantee of freedom of expression. However, to a significant extent, competing societal values also figure into the equation. The policy to protect children from abuse and exploitation is an example of a competing societal value. We are constantly weighing these values in our effort to  figure out a way to live together as a just and peaceful society.

We appreciate how Randy does not like to complicate matters when it comes to his art nudes. They are just the way by which Randy pays homage to the natural beauty of the human form, one that begins inside then radiates outside to what can be seen and photographed. Randy says quite simply, ‘It seems to me that we sometimes forget that we are part of nature too. My art nudes, aside from illustrating the intrinsic beauty of the human form, attempt to show a human connection with nature in a timeless, innocent, and artistic manner. I must also say that I owe an endless debt of gratitude to the wonderful women who have collaborated with me in the creation of these images. This work, above all other, satisfies my need to be creative.’

From Randy Craig.

Related Posts