Where do you draw the line between art and pornography?

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Where do you draw the line between art and pornography?

Where do you draw the line between art and pornography?

by runningintriangles Posted November 04, 2009 04:20:09

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+32 raves

I was recently deactivated for a short while for posting what was apparently "porn," according to the moderators. But while I can see the eroticism, I did not see any vulgarity that is typical of porn in the photographs. I saw beautiful portraits taken by a talented photographer, that sure, may have had a hint of eroticism.

What I want to know is where you think the line needs to be drawn.

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Top Answer

+8 raves hayek88 November 05, 2009 04:19:57

As with all art, categorization lies primarily in the public response. Your intent does not matter nearly so much as your audience. All great artists consider this; before you post something, ask yourself how your fellow sodaheads are wont to view it, and you will find your answer.
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+1 raves
Little M November 12, 2009 06:20:04

I was always told that as long as it didnt show that lower areas it was art...if it showed it then it was porn....as for men as long as they are not were um...ecrect then it was fine
+2 raves
Zolfie™ ╬ November 07, 2009 16:18:05

I'm not sure you can fully just draw a line... I mean there is gonna be a lot of gray area.... unless you somehow make sure there is no minors around. And even then there is still some gray area.....

But I know what you mean I've seen some beautiful artist nakedness in which I thought was a lot more beautiful art than porn and it only showed a side shot of the females chest...

I think the mods are drawing the line at any private parts showing? ... or I'm not sure....
+2 raves
Shadow Heart November 05, 2009 20:02:53 (edited)

I love nudity, it is just a form of expression, an art to be admired. What about the art form of nudity in European era? What about the statue of "Michelangelo's David"?

I think there are a lot of pre-modern attitudes toward nudity, wake up people, this is the 21st century.

Eroticism in art is what brings art to life regarding the life form.
+3 raves
houston... to Shadow ... November 06, 2009 01:13:01

It's always been that way, the human body is a pure form of art in itself, and there has always been a small number of people that have a problem with it.
+2 raves
running... to Shadow ... November 06, 2009 03:32:25

That's Michaelangelo's "David," not a representation of Michaelangelo... sorry, had to point that out.
+1 raves
Shadow ... to running... November 06, 2009 09:15:03

Thank you , that is what I meant :-) lol
+2 raves
Compmend November 05, 2009 08:02:08

Pornography is subjective and individually interpreted, in my opinion, "It's definition lies in the eye and heart of the beholder"

One definition of pornography is :
pornographic - designed to arouse lust; "pornographic films and magazines"; "adult movies"

Another is:
creative activity (writing or pictures or films etc.) of no literary or artistic value other than to stimulate sexual desire
+2 raves
Merl November 05, 2009 07:03:28

If I can masturbate to it, its porn. Doesn't mean I don't like it. If it is erotic enough to stir those "feelings" down there it is porn. Art comes in many forms, porn can be art, and art can be porn. TOO MUCH Thought, need to find porn.
+1 raves
ktw7 November 05, 2009 05:45:52

well i am Definitely in the Minority here, but total nudity is crossing a line in all cases, and should be kept between you and your mate. there is Plenty enough Art around that that is Not necessary! and yes, i agree that the audience is what makes it one or the other, and you will Never get an agreement on where the line is. so, i do as one said and don't put myself in the position to view it. to each his own.
+2 raves
blackturtle.us November 05, 2009 05:19:31

"I know it when I see it" is a total cop-out! For something to be pornography requires more than nudity and more than being merely suggestive. However, it is possible for sexual activity to be artfully portrayed. So porn therefore must be sexual activity portrayed in a decidedly non-artistic manner, but that begs the question as to why would anyone seek to portray sexual activity in a manner that was not aesthetically pleasing unless they were trying to make an artistic statement of some kind in which case we're back to art. Therefore, there is no such thing as pornography, only people incapable of appreciating art!
+2 raves
pbaddict18 November 05, 2009 05:19:27

I think that if the person is in a natural pose or an artsy (if that makes sense) type pose then it is art.

If the person is bent in a way that looks unnatural or expressing a blatant sexual or erotic pose that is where the issue of porn comes into play.

But i understand where you are coming from. When some people look at art and say thats porn don't look at it or don't go in there. When i look at it i see beautiful pieces of art. I think it really comes down to the person's perspective of what is and what isn't art, because people's views are different (in your case especially).
+1 raves
Keen ToJones November 05, 2009 05:09:46

Welcome back. I think pornography animalizes people, or degrades them. I've done the same thing you did, only I did it to make fun of George Bush. I regret it now and won't ever do it again.
+2 raves
intramuros November 05, 2009 04:35:38

It's all in the pose. The Thinker statue is naked but he's sitting on a rock thinking. Art of naked women from the Deco period is beautiful. The human body can be posed to be a fabulous work of art because of the curves and beautiful form especially of the female body. But depending on how she's bending over awkwardly like leap frog would obviously say "come and get it" makes it porny. But those that want porn will twist things around and claim its an art. If its the art of making love well that's different....its all how you look at it......and I mean IT!
+8 raves
hayek88 November 05, 2009 04:19:57

As with all art, categorization lies primarily in the public response. Your intent does not matter nearly so much as your audience. All great artists consider this; before you post something, ask yourself how your fellow sodaheads are wont to view it, and you will find your answer.
+2 raves
casperan November 05, 2009 04:07:05

You can't define it, but you know it when you see it.
+1 raves
running... to casperan November 05, 2009 04:09:58

That's what I thought, but apparently what I thought clearly wasn't pornography was... at least, according to the site mods.
+2 raves
casperan to running... November 05, 2009 04:10:58

well some people have their opinions.
+1 raves
Lynn November 05, 2009 04:01:40

There's a line?
+1 raves
Sparrow November 05, 2009 03:14:09

If naughty parts are being shown and anything is being done to that naughty part then it is Porn, such that someone else, something else, or themselves.
+4 raves
5p0k3n4 November 05, 2009 03:11:39

I'd show you the diffrence, but I dont want to get in troubles..lol

Apparently those in charge around here don't know the diffrence.
+2 raves
Zolfie™ ╬ to 5p0k3n4 November 07, 2009 16:21:56

o but you could show some of though us mail ;) .... want to show me the difference? ;) I don't wanna get in trouble ;)
+2 raves
5p0k3n4 to Zolfie™ ╬ November 07, 2009 16:44:44

lol, I bet, its all about the learning experience XD
+2 raves
Zolfie™ ╬ to 5p0k3n4 November 07, 2009 16:47:04

lol =D totally and completely about the learning experience ;D

I gotta know these things for I don't get in trouble... unless it's good trouble ;)
+2 raves
5p0k3n4 to Zolfie™ ╬ November 07, 2009 17:01:35

Right its all precautionary XD
+2 raves
Zolfie™ ╬ to 5p0k3n4 November 07, 2009 17:10:23

Totally ... I've never had someone explain the rules to pics on sh... so I just don't know for sure ;)
+2 raves
5p0k3n4 to Zolfie™ ╬ November 08, 2009 01:49:12

lol
+1 raves
Zolfie™ ╬ to 5p0k3n4 November 08, 2009 02:48:18

so when are you gonna teach me? ;)
+2 raves
Latina Bookworm ‡†‡Socially... November 05, 2009 02:28:32

Well, I think porn is something that makes you feel . . . "good." *wiggles eye brows* While art just give you a sense of emotion has very thought provoking pictures.

I think. . . .
+1 raves
Andy November 05, 2009 02:15:10

is there any point or reason for it,

if its just a naked person or sex for no reason or no point to it, then its not art any more
+3 raves
LifeIsComedy November 05, 2009 01:11:50

Art is meant to stimulate the mind. Pornography is meant to stimulate....something else. If you get turned on, then it's either not art or you're overly appreciative.
+3 raves
justcallmepaige November 05, 2009 00:51:15

Porn, I feel is sexual intercourse, or masturbation caught on tape (camera, recorder) Artistic nude, is an art. An art of the body, which is not porn, though may not be suitable for young children. Still, it's not porn.
+1 raves
chris November 05, 2009 00:48:08

when theres sex duh
Tha Hsee November 05, 2009 00:45:35

http://cfs12.tistory.com/imag...
c-kidd(crybaby) November 05, 2009 00:32:52

i love porn so i will watch it but not gay guys or even with guys in it for tht matter
+1 raves
running... to c-kidd(... November 05, 2009 00:37:59

...er, I didn't ask if you watched porn or what kind, I asked where should the line be drawn between pornography and art.
+1 raves
Soccercb, is a Gleek :P November 05, 2009 00:22:18

I think it's what your intentions are with the "art" you do.
+3 raves
bpress November 05, 2009 00:07:47

Unfortunately for you, the line is subjective. What you posted was art to you and porn to the moderators. If the moderators of a site don't like what you like, then your only recourse is post them someplace where it is accepted by the moderators.
+3 raves
Denise November 05, 2009 00:03:48

Visual representations of intercourse is porn. The naked form is not.

I think the nude form is beautiful. It's so sad that such a natural piece of art is considered vulgar.
+3 raves
luisofsuburbia November 04, 2009 23:40:03

Porn is something that you jerk off to while art is something that makes you think.
+3 raves
๑۩۩..ßεℓℓεchεvεℓℓε®..۩۩๑Wra... November 04, 2009 23:03:57

Art invokes emotion in me....pornography makes my "groin" spasm.

lol

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