David Laity - Zebra Girls
Mar 16- Apr 03
"Most people understand, accept and respect that we've all got different tastes and opinions… music, politics, food, fashion etc. However, when it comes to sexual images we tend to become somewhat dogmatic in our condemnation.
They're passionate images. They need to be explicit in order to be honest. Anything else is patronizing (condescending).
Aside from making some people
uncomfortable, what harm do these paintings do?
The challenge for the viewer seems to be to let go of their predisposed
negative feelings when confronted by my, or others', sexual images and
attempt to view the works as they are meant to be viewed… as images
of our sexuality. The rewards are there, they just need to be appreciated.
Erotic female nudes celebrate life.
You can't underestimate your audience - they're responsible mature people…they can handle it. They won't commit unspeakable acts after viewing it.
I don't paint weak vulnerable women. I paint strong, confident women.
The women in my paintings indulge themselves.
They're willing participants.Our sexuality is wonderful. It deserves to be celebrated.
I endeavor to do what artists
have done for centuries, to express beauty… I find well executed
erotic nudes truly beautiful.
Going to the gallery should be an adventure, free of censorship and bland commercialism.
Other people's moralities are their responsibility, not mine.
It's not amoral to look at an image of a sexually provocative woman and find it beautiful.
There's nothing wrong with exhibiting a little bit of passion.
Expression is always better than repression.
My images are never meant to degenerate women. I am inspired by them and their sexuality. Women are the most celebrated muse of all.
Censorship has no place in an art gallery."
David Laity, 2005