Porn and Art

Porn and Art: Where DO We Draw the Line?

 

 

 

This question reminds me of an episode from the TV sitcom, 3rd Rock from the Sun. Dick Solomon, (John Lithgow) is an alien from another world who is living incognito as a human on earth to learn about humanity. He is sitting at his kitchen table asking his landlady, Mrs. Dubcek (Elmarie Wendel), to explain to him the difference between porn and art.

In the opening scene, they had photos of porn and art scattered all over the kitchen table.

With the eraser end of her pencil, Mrs. Dubcek pointed them out. "Art. Smut. Smut. Art. Art. Smut. Smut. Smut."

Dick whined, "Smut?!, But she's more nakeder than they are!"

“Well, you see,” replied Mrs. Dubcek, "this is Michelangelo and this is.... well.... this is Michael and Angelo."

Dick whined again, "I just don't see the difference. I mean, you tell me this is meant for arousal and this is meant for aesthetic appreciation. But when I look at them…well…this woman washing her sports car does nothing for me. But, this woman with the apple and the snake--Well, that's just HOT!"

I’m with Dick. (No pun intended) I often find my personal definition of the two at odds with that of society. I consider AOM a male beauty blog with elements of the artistic and erotic. Others view it as a porn blog. Because of this, I thought I would write a relatively easy essay on the subject, but after reading many articles on the subject, I am even more confused than when I started.

I’ve come to the conclusion that the question itself is an attempt to separate two things that are inseparable. It’s like trying to separate hydrogen from oxygen and still have water. Aesthetics and eroticism are both integral elements of who we are as human beings and have their bearing on the art that we create.

So what’s the difference? There is no easy answer. For a more in depth answer I would have to begin discussing the shaded differences between the artistic and the erotic and how they overlap and how pornography fits into the mix. I may dive into subject at a later date but for now I’ll just continue enjoying and posting images that I like and give others the freedom to call it what they want.

~o~0~o~