Sculptor, I appreciate your perspective, and I can't speak for Brett as the writer of the above review, but I personally believe a couple of your points may be based on misconceptions. For one, Michelangelo’s "David" is a product of Renaissance ideals, reflecting the culture’s admiration for classical beauty and human potential. Art, including naturist films, reflects the values of its time. It's worth noting that art throughout history has celebrated diverse body types. For example, the Paleolithic Venus figurines highlight fuller, voluptuous bodies, celebrating fertility and nurturing aspects of humanity (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_figurine). For a deeper understanding of how body ideals have evolved in art, I cannot recommend this insightful video enough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AKudjxdbQw.
While promoting fitness is positive, it should not overshadow the inclusive spirit of naturism, which welcomes all body types. Real naturism fosters an environment where everyone feels accepted, regardless of their physique. I would argue that calling obesity a "plague" is damaging and harmful. This language stigmatizes individuals and overlooks the complex factors contributing to body weight such as genetics, environment, economic status, etc.. Encouraging health and fitness should never come at the expense of body acceptance. Many are overwright and perfectly healthy, and wondering why art so consistently reflects idealized and unattainable body types when there are so many other body types out there is hardly an endorsement of obesity. What about older bodies, bony bodies, disabled bodies, and others that you rarely see in art?
Regarding those we know who might feel happier if they lost a few pounds—who's to say? Many people with unconventional bodies, as naturists, feel that nothing about their bodies needs to change, but rather society's reaction to their bodies needs to change. Instead of assuming our loved ones would be happier if they were different, perhaps we should adopt an approach that accepts and loves their bodies as they are. Maybe, just maybe, that acceptance would truly make them happier.
Sculptor, I understand your concerns about obesity and health, but the argument you're making is unrelated to the article and the points being discussed. It’s what they call a “straw man” argument. No one is advocating for unhealthy lifestyles. What we're addressing is the harmful impact of stigmatizing language and the exclusion of diverse body types in naturism and art.
Calling obesity a "plague" is damaging because it reduces individuals to their weight and overlooks the complex factors like genetics, environment, and socioeconomic status that influence body size. There are other ways of describing obesity as widespread without invoking The Black Death. The Oxford Dictionary defines “plague” thusly:
“noun: plague; noun: the plague; noun: pneumonic plague
1. a contagious bacterial disease characterized by fever and delirium, typically with the formation of buboes ( bubonic plague ) and sometimes infection of the lungs ( pneumonic plague ).
"an outbreak of plague"
2. a contagious disease that spreads rapidly and kills many people.
plural noun: plagues”
Seeing as obesity is 1. Not contagious, 2. Not bacterial, or characterized by fever or delirium, my answer is simply yes. You are wrong.
Encouraging health and fitness is important, but it should never come at the expense of body acceptance. Many people cannot achieve the "ideal" body due to factors beyond their control, including disability and genetics.
When people who struggle with weight see their bodies being judged harshly, it’s hurtful and demoralizing. This isn't about ignoring health risks associated with obesity; it’s about fostering a supportive environment where all bodies are valued. Large bodies can be healthy and beautiful. By promoting a more inclusive perspective, we can support better mental and physical health for everyone.
So yes, I believe you are wrong. Body acceptance and encouraging healthier choices can coexist without shaming those who don’t fit narrow ideals.
You don’t have to agree with me. I’m just answering your question.
The term you used was plague. The definition I offered is not mine, it’s the Oxford dictionary’s. We could address the definition of “epidemic” but if it still doesn’t fit your point, will the target move again? I prefer not to answer a questionnaire, nor continue a semantic back-and-forth so that you might find a position where you feel you’ve made your point. I think you have. Broadly, I don’t even disagree with you that our country has an obesity epidemic, though I see so many more factors at play than merely physical fitness or a lack of it—encompassing systemic problems from corporatized farming to advertising to children and beyond—and I’m certainly not suggesting the topic should be avoided. I just expect naturists to approach the topic with more compassion for different body types than those found in renaissance art.
I would not complain about the model type. For any artistic medium, the problem is finding the model[s]. One does not go on any street corner and inquire of passerbys whether they would be willing to pose for the artist. Realistically, the artist not only has difficulty finding the right model at the right price, but the artist’s market is a primary consideration if costs are going to be covered.
You probably couldn't get many well known athletes or dancers to do this. Even if one were nude friendly themself, anyone in the public eye would worry about the PR effect. Even in 1983, your image had monetary value. OTOH, if you've already done nude work in the public realm or had no hopes of future celebrity, you'd have nothing to lose.
I don't mind the use of extremely fit models for this. It is like a study in physical anatomy. If you want to show how the muscles work, you gotta see the muscles. If you want grace in motion, you gotta have people athletic enough to give you grace in motion.
It's sad that this is such a dated video. It hasn't aged well especially because it's only available on VHS. I do really like art nude videos though. Hegre art makes incredibly beautiful vids, although most are explicitly sexual.
As for body image issues. Is it offensive to say that some bodies are more beautiful than others?
I'm late to this article, but first of all, thank you for writing it and sharing about this movie.
With regard to diversity of images for nude art, the closest I see that gives me hope is women's intimate apparel brands, such as Knix and Knitty Knickers. (Hint: Google the brand names and then look at the images tab to see representation.) I think women have grown so tired of their bodies being objectified and, outside of nudity, intimate apparel shows usually the most of the body, so that's where stakes have been planted. And it needs to come from startups because we know that bigger organizations like VS are mostly run by men who will just tokenize issues for monetary reasons.
As for health: I'm on the side of health that reduces eating disorders, an issue that has one of the highest death rates associated with it. I'm on the side of health that supports mental health, which is entwined with self-image. I'm on the side of health that works to rid foods of microplastics and other foreign chemicals. I'm on the side of health that supports a fair economic situation for everyone so children and adults alike can afford to buy food that nurtures and supports them. I'm on the side of health that supports doctors and health care for all. That is where health starts. If you would like to equate health to body size, I invite you to go and tell that to your grandma's face and look forward to her clocking you on the side of the head with her big purse. 👜
Realistically, when could a more diverse movie be made? Now sounds like a good timeline to me.
Sculptor, I appreciate your perspective, and I can't speak for Brett as the writer of the above review, but I personally believe a couple of your points may be based on misconceptions. For one, Michelangelo’s "David" is a product of Renaissance ideals, reflecting the culture’s admiration for classical beauty and human potential. Art, including naturist films, reflects the values of its time. It's worth noting that art throughout history has celebrated diverse body types. For example, the Paleolithic Venus figurines highlight fuller, voluptuous bodies, celebrating fertility and nurturing aspects of humanity (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_figurine). For a deeper understanding of how body ideals have evolved in art, I cannot recommend this insightful video enough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AKudjxdbQw.
While promoting fitness is positive, it should not overshadow the inclusive spirit of naturism, which welcomes all body types. Real naturism fosters an environment where everyone feels accepted, regardless of their physique. I would argue that calling obesity a "plague" is damaging and harmful. This language stigmatizes individuals and overlooks the complex factors contributing to body weight such as genetics, environment, economic status, etc.. Encouraging health and fitness should never come at the expense of body acceptance. Many are overwright and perfectly healthy, and wondering why art so consistently reflects idealized and unattainable body types when there are so many other body types out there is hardly an endorsement of obesity. What about older bodies, bony bodies, disabled bodies, and others that you rarely see in art?
Regarding those we know who might feel happier if they lost a few pounds—who's to say? Many people with unconventional bodies, as naturists, feel that nothing about their bodies needs to change, but rather society's reaction to their bodies needs to change. Instead of assuming our loved ones would be happier if they were different, perhaps we should adopt an approach that accepts and loves their bodies as they are. Maybe, just maybe, that acceptance would truly make them happier.
Sculptor, I understand your concerns about obesity and health, but the argument you're making is unrelated to the article and the points being discussed. It’s what they call a “straw man” argument. No one is advocating for unhealthy lifestyles. What we're addressing is the harmful impact of stigmatizing language and the exclusion of diverse body types in naturism and art.
Calling obesity a "plague" is damaging because it reduces individuals to their weight and overlooks the complex factors like genetics, environment, and socioeconomic status that influence body size. There are other ways of describing obesity as widespread without invoking The Black Death. The Oxford Dictionary defines “plague” thusly:
“noun: plague; noun: the plague; noun: pneumonic plague
1. a contagious bacterial disease characterized by fever and delirium, typically with the formation of buboes ( bubonic plague ) and sometimes infection of the lungs ( pneumonic plague ).
"an outbreak of plague"
2. a contagious disease that spreads rapidly and kills many people.
plural noun: plagues”
Seeing as obesity is 1. Not contagious, 2. Not bacterial, or characterized by fever or delirium, my answer is simply yes. You are wrong.
Encouraging health and fitness is important, but it should never come at the expense of body acceptance. Many people cannot achieve the "ideal" body due to factors beyond their control, including disability and genetics.
When people who struggle with weight see their bodies being judged harshly, it’s hurtful and demoralizing. This isn't about ignoring health risks associated with obesity; it’s about fostering a supportive environment where all bodies are valued. Large bodies can be healthy and beautiful. By promoting a more inclusive perspective, we can support better mental and physical health for everyone.
So yes, I believe you are wrong. Body acceptance and encouraging healthier choices can coexist without shaming those who don’t fit narrow ideals.
You don’t have to agree with me. I’m just answering your question.
The term you used was plague. The definition I offered is not mine, it’s the Oxford dictionary’s. We could address the definition of “epidemic” but if it still doesn’t fit your point, will the target move again? I prefer not to answer a questionnaire, nor continue a semantic back-and-forth so that you might find a position where you feel you’ve made your point. I think you have. Broadly, I don’t even disagree with you that our country has an obesity epidemic, though I see so many more factors at play than merely physical fitness or a lack of it—encompassing systemic problems from corporatized farming to advertising to children and beyond—and I’m certainly not suggesting the topic should be avoided. I just expect naturists to approach the topic with more compassion for different body types than those found in renaissance art.
I would not complain about the model type. For any artistic medium, the problem is finding the model[s]. One does not go on any street corner and inquire of passerbys whether they would be willing to pose for the artist. Realistically, the artist not only has difficulty finding the right model at the right price, but the artist’s market is a primary consideration if costs are going to be covered.
You probably couldn't get many well known athletes or dancers to do this. Even if one were nude friendly themself, anyone in the public eye would worry about the PR effect. Even in 1983, your image had monetary value. OTOH, if you've already done nude work in the public realm or had no hopes of future celebrity, you'd have nothing to lose.
I don't mind the use of extremely fit models for this. It is like a study in physical anatomy. If you want to show how the muscles work, you gotta see the muscles. If you want grace in motion, you gotta have people athletic enough to give you grace in motion.
It's sad that this is such a dated video. It hasn't aged well especially because it's only available on VHS. I do really like art nude videos though. Hegre art makes incredibly beautiful vids, although most are explicitly sexual.
As for body image issues. Is it offensive to say that some bodies are more beautiful than others?
I'm late to this article, but first of all, thank you for writing it and sharing about this movie.
With regard to diversity of images for nude art, the closest I see that gives me hope is women's intimate apparel brands, such as Knix and Knitty Knickers. (Hint: Google the brand names and then look at the images tab to see representation.) I think women have grown so tired of their bodies being objectified and, outside of nudity, intimate apparel shows usually the most of the body, so that's where stakes have been planted. And it needs to come from startups because we know that bigger organizations like VS are mostly run by men who will just tokenize issues for monetary reasons.
As for health: I'm on the side of health that reduces eating disorders, an issue that has one of the highest death rates associated with it. I'm on the side of health that supports mental health, which is entwined with self-image. I'm on the side of health that works to rid foods of microplastics and other foreign chemicals. I'm on the side of health that supports a fair economic situation for everyone so children and adults alike can afford to buy food that nurtures and supports them. I'm on the side of health that supports doctors and health care for all. That is where health starts. If you would like to equate health to body size, I invite you to go and tell that to your grandma's face and look forward to her clocking you on the side of the head with her big purse. 👜
Realistically, when could a more diverse movie be made? Now sounds like a good timeline to me.