gulfport artist's Profile

Our Schiele drawing and a drawing by his best friend and studio mate Irwin Osen as well as two other drawings by fellow Expressionist Irwin Stoltz all hang in the bedroom because the room receives northern light and the drawings are protected from direct light. Other nudes by Picasso, Braque, Derain, Bonnard and Masson have migrated there for protection as well. The African sculptures in the living room are nudes but elicit fewer comments than the works in the bedroom. Although there are more female images than male, almost every comments involves the works with male penises. One artist's quote "there sure are a lot of d____s in here" seems to support the idea that Americans, including artists, are uncomfortable with depictions of male genitals. I had to smile at the suggestion that a more grown up room such as a dining room might be a better space for nudes. We have friends who have a Phillip Pearlstein nude hanging in the dining room. The foreshortened nude female dominates the wall. I find it difficult to focus on the food, drink and conversation when I sit opposite it; not because I am offended by the nudity or that it is pornographic (it isn't) but because it is such a strong piece of art and always commands my attention. I don't think one needs to edit one's art for visitors.