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The art of modeling is not just capturing a muse in front of the camera. Modeling is an art form where the aura and the picture are created in a way to give a message. That is why over the years we have seen modeling branching out into different forms, expanding the creative space in which one can work. We have had many types of modeling, like cosplay, boudoir, ramp, and much more. Along with these we have also seen a new beautiful art form branch out called implied nudity. When you do not pay attention to what it is, it might seem like just another form of modeling. Shooting happens from different angles and poses.
Full body of anonymous fit naked woman with short dark hair lying on floor against black background in studio. Black and white photograph
But when we take a deeper look, we get to know that it is much more than what the name suggests. Unfortunately, there has been a discourse around it. People have the choice to interpret the form in their own way. With this, the art form has taken multiple shapes now. It has received criticism, hatred, serious questioning, and even some love.
“ I think we are now more adopting western culture. Now slowly and gradually our own culture is vanishing. People usually now expose their bodies to get fame. Now all the aspiring models do all this work to be famous. This should stop I think. Follow western culture but to the limit.” Anonymous.
While we talk about the Indian subcontinent, it is imperative that we as a country have a layered cultural and social background. In the same state, we have a city that is so progressive that you can see all forms of development. While in another corner we have places where even education is a privilege. Thus, it becomes really hard for a traditional country like ours to embrace this art form. Something, that is so unique in its definition.
Firstly, let us talk about what implied nudity is?
Implied nudity as the name suggests is an art form, where the viewer assumes a nude portrait. While in reality the portrait might or might not be nude. The art plays with the human brain’s ability to fill in the blanks and spark their imagination into completing the picture. Implied nudity means limited artistic nudity. People from all over the nation have a different opinion on this. Implied nudity means limited artistic nudity. People from all over the nation have a different opinion on this.
Photographers and artists play in this particular grey area of yes or no. In this process, they deal with the subject delicately. There is no conclusion but a lot of hints for you to perceive. It is not just the way it seems, it holds much more than what meets the eye.
This game of guessing is a beautiful work of creativity that gives the liberty to many artists to send across a message. A message that normal light, angles, and anything else cannot provide. Because ultimately the biggest wonder of the world is us, human beings. Our brains and body, work in mysterious ways. Implied nudity just uses this to its own adva Top view of calm naked young female with curly hair looking at camera while sitting on floor with hands on chest.
Moreover, implied nudity challenges the human creative brain on many levels. You have to show something that is not there yet to make the viewer understand. The biggest challenge of the art form is that it is very little in the hands of the creator. Most of it is let to the viewer's interpretation. But the genius lies in how you spew magic in the little available at artists discourse. This form of modeling is just for human creativity to spill across, in the magnificent ways it is.
Of course, when we talk about humans and our bodies, there are a lot of things that come into the picture. Consent, the moral implications of the shoot, and how these things are executed are all carefully discussed and done right. Everyone involved is informed, made comfortable, and given a say in the process.
As a model one should be comfortable in their skin. But being comfortable in nude and semi-nude photographs varies for different people. Nude photography can be an absolute form of art though it might not be for everyone and that’s fine. As we know nudity is a prominent theme in the modeling industry. We talk to a number of models in the industry who talk about what implied nudity means to them, and what they would do if an opportunity like that comes their way!
“The industry is creative and when the shoot happens there is some creative thought behind it. It is about confidence. If you feel confident expressing yourself with whatever you are wearing, like a saree or hijab or not even wearing anything. It is completely fine. It is a form of expression of art and it is great”, model Aashna Gurav.
Fashion models are somewhere expected to be okay with it. Models are never forced. They have a choice to do it of their own free will. It is illegal to force a person or a minor to do it against their will.
Some people feel that the deal maker is handling the project right.
“Implied nudity when done right is some of the most artistic and beautiful photography out there in my opinion, and it doesn’t have to be sleazy or crude at all. Yes, if given the chance to do it, I most definitely will.” says fashion model Joshua.
Nude modeling is often synonymous as glamour and porn. However, shooting it perfectly is a form of art with many creative options. It embraces the realm and art of a naked body. Though this art when done for the first time can be a little intimidating and nerve-racking for both model and the photographer.
“Implied nudity is a category of photography. How I look at it would be from an artist’s point of view. I'm an artist and I do not judge things depending on their categories. Photography is a form of art to me and what it speaks through it is important which category it falls into.
I don’t think it’s important for me as a viewer or as an artist. It’s about expressions. Now the question how people present it. I have come across so many pieces of work and some are stunning and some look like they just want attention and that can be my point of view but yes it depends on the viewer’s & the presenter’s perspective and there’s nothing wrong with it if presented in an appropriate medium. Given a chance if I would do it, no I don’t think so. I’m not that confident I believe”, model Gipsita.
This happens only if a model is comfortable undressing in front of a photographer with mutual respect. Then art is more precise if a photographer creates it with respect than just a sexual undertaking. Many well-known photographers have earned respect for their professionalism and trusted team. As we know, fashion is very illusory. Many models often use body doubles using photoshop.
“I am not comfortable with complete nudity but I can do semi-nude photoshoots.
But I totally support everyone who is into implied nudity. I believe that nobody should care what people say and just want what you feel like. If one person is comfortable in it then they should definitely go for it without thinking about the society.”
According to the model Ashish K Singh, these shoots have high pays. Though, it has certain adverse effects as it stays on the web forever. This is a fact, and a model should be well aware of the controversy it can create. Also, it is essential for them to set certain boundaries and limits as well as never do something just out of desperation for work and money.
“Well to start with when people talk about fashion, their perception is that anything and everything is OK in the industry. Be it nudity (partial or complete). Concept photography or shoot is different than just being OK for an individual in front of the lens.
On facing such a situation where an individual (not just a model), has to compromise, LINES HAVE TO BE DRAWN clearly. Being a model doesn’t say there are no standards or morals. There is an artistic point of view attached to the concept. If done right and does not look vulgar. There are concepts which ask for it and there are places where it is to increase the ‘number of views’, ‘recommendation by people looking for such content only’.”
‘A lot of photographers have been using this for aesthetic purposes. I also think that this is important because it creates a dot of an inclusive environment. It takes away the body insecurities that people have had over the years. Especially, in a world like ours where beauty is perceived highly, this form helps the photographers give the access to celebrate every kind of body! Also, you just need the right kind of audience to perceive it the right way’,Anwesh Sahoo, Mr. Gay World 2016.
Implied nudity is still in debate. It has many different opinions across the board. Hopefully, soon we will reach a place where art forms are not judged, but celebrated!
The article was originally in the September Edition of the WMH India magazine.
