The Artful Nude

This exhibition, exploring the use of the nude figure in the work of local artists, would be a matter-of-fact exhibition almost anywhere else. Here, however, it appears to be a statement of controversy. "Au Naturale: Celebrating the Tradition of the Nude in Art" is a robust exhibit of works by STC and UTPA art faculty members.

The works on display boast a wide range of artistic concepts and representations that communicate various approaches the nude figure. Douglas Clark shows his commitment to the classical nude with his bronze torsos and small figures. Ruth Keitz’ quirky contemporary mixed media trio, “What the Artist Saw,” seems almost at the other end of the human figure spectrum. While Clark’s bronze male torso is a respectful study of human musculature and proper human proportion, Keitz humorously plays with the notion of the often perceptually challenged novice. 

According to Phyllis L. Evans, Chair of Visual Arts and Music, "Au Naturale" is meant to demonstrate to the public the importance of the nude figure in the study of art.

“The idea for this exhibit started out with the fact that we have been trying to get nude models for our Drawing 2 classes for four years,” explained Evans. “Finally a policy was passed by our Board that permitted us to bring nude models into the classroom; I think the reason it took so long for them to become comfortable with the idea was because perhaps the community doesn’t understand that it’s [life drawing] not about sex, and that it’s a very critical part of the learning process for beginners as well as practicing artists.”

Levels of sophistication are noticeable in the exhibit. Ramon Barela’s complex media installation, “Extraterrestrial Divine Intervention or Do You Like it Like That?” commands a central location, demonstrating both fine drawing skills as well as tech savvy. The nude figure in his work serves a socio-ideological function. The clever and provocative photo sculpture, “Fat Cells” by Marilyn Carren humanizes fat cells. Her bag of puffy cells also conveys a humorous discomfort. These, along with other works of this quality demonstrate the use of the nude for thoughtful discourses of the human condition.

A pair of Barbie dolls sarcastically demonstrates the dehumanization of the human figure.

Although successful in its own right, this exhibit also includes an instructional wall of preparatory figure studies done by the participating artists. “The figure drawing experience is learning about building up an image,” commented Rachel Brown, STC Art Instructor. The artists were allowed to use the Life Drawing facilities at UTPA for their drawings.

Some works do not fare well. A painting showing a nude with unnaturally pointed breasts seems to be a cautionary tale about what could happen to a painting whose creator did not study Life Drawing.

Nancy Moyer, Professor Emerita of Art, UTPA, is an art critic for The Monitor. She may be reached at nmoyer@rgv.rr.com