I used to think "art" was everybody. Perhaps people are coming to the gallery expecting the typical spread legged, big breasted nudes lit dimly by one light from the side, casting ambiguous shadows across the figure... ?
I think if one is going to take the time to slam an artist, they should examine the history of the work itself, or at least the artists. Saudek overcame some pretty harsh realities in coming up with his fantasies pictured in the gallery. Not to mention he is an expert craftsman with camera and technique.
Art needs to be approached with an open mind. Loosen up bit, people :)
Great gallery, it's nice something truely creative amongst all the T & A.
The article overlooks the fact that Joel Peter Witkin appears to be a major influence here. Just add color, a bit more blatent sexuality and you've got it. As for the children - is it the juxtaposition of such innocent beauty in contrast to the more disturbing pieces where the issue comes in? These children have some nudity, but are not being exploited. Would Jock Sturges work be portrayed as pornographic? Innocence is beheld by the young, viewer's behold the values they assign to nudity of the young,
In my opinion Saudek's work is visually interesting but devoid of message or real beauty.
I guess I just want to know when the creator of this (ART?) is going to blow his head of with a shotgun, sawed off and loaded with dimes for effect, of course. Incredibly sad soul.
I enjoy your website and appreciate your take on erotica and literature. However,the photo (in the collection "Realities") with the child is disturbing. It's not out of the category of child pornography, a phenomenon that destroys the lives of so many children. I'm not against people having fantasies, whatever they are, but a real child was used for that photo. I hope that you will remove this photo from your website. Thanks- Hedy Helfand
Well... after reading all the feedback , it is plain to see that some people are very horrified to have someone actually steal the dark, freaky, twisted, pervy little thoughts from their head and compose a visual piece of art for the whole world to see. MAGNIFICENT! As far as child porn goes ... please ... not one of those children is involved in a sexual act ... as far as the "carney" look ...I love it ... who hasn't wanted to do the Big IT with the "fat lady", the one legged woman or the "little person" ( she is hot!). And also ... why is it that maimed ,deformed or handicapped people are not seen as sexual ? They are ! Lets just admit it ... this stuff is dark ... and dark makes us hot !
Excellent Work. You must have been reading my mind with a few of your pictures. I had had them in my mind for a while, but just never got around to them. Job well done. Thank You.
i think the photographer has technical skill, as some one else pointed out....the women do seem a bit circus-esque, but this is a portrayal of fantasy, so i dont see why that should be a criticism. he did a good job, and many of these pictures are very beautiful, paying attention to light and composition. not compelling enough to be art, though it got the prudes' panties in a wad. hehe.
I think NERVE needs to do a better job in warning their viewers when some idiot takes some pictures of innocent children and decides to call it art....i'm dissapointed.. it's not art- its trash
I don't consider the pictures of children pornography artwork- it's beyond discusting.... art is something beautiful... something pure.. you have tainted it
... well, these images *must* be saying something powerfully, as they certainly generated many heated opinions both pro and con ... and that is what art is suppose to do, make you feel something, even if it is not positive. Some images are dream like, some sexy, some disturbing ... and that is what it's all about.
... tak, znam janovy fotografie uz dlouho, i m from czech republic too, ale porad si myslim, ze jeho drivejsi dilka jsou ... no jak to rict, jsou vic intimnejsi a nabizeji vetsi prostor FANTAZII, ale pan saudek dela svou praci dobre, je to styl, ktery je nezamenitelny, stejne jako pan saudek sam, ps: u me porad vitezi a vzdy vitezila fotka c.4 !!! ma totiz nadhernou atmosferu !!!
I read thetext on Saudek.I find his photography to be laughable. He is clearly desperate to look different and treats women ascircus creatures.It would be fine to simply say the truth- the man wants badlyto be a serious photographer, but has no ideas and therefore resorts to silly extremes. But I'm afraid that Nerve, for allof it's strengths, will "celebrate" anymediocre fiction writer or photogrqpher aslong asthe subject is sex or the human body.
Saudek reminds me of theconversation attributed to BellandEmerson when Bell told Emerson of his invention of the telephone: Bell "Now Maine can talk to Florida."Emerson: "Yes, but does Maine have anything to say to Florida."
One of the very best of Nerve's exhibitions; the sense of bringing the viewer to the edge of something that's about to happen or just happened is palpable and one of the requirements of really good photography.
The faithful and loving immersion in the tinted 19th century style is a necessary further framing of each image to help objectify them and balance the intense and at times even shocking imagery. I loved this gallery
good "skill" at photographing but not the best at transmitting meaning. i'm sick of "real" people being portrayed at disgusting- his fantasy of real people, makes me think he's been sleeping with the media-zombies and is romanticizing the carnie folks. sometimes we should ask artists- hey, if you have skill, could you please put it to some use? we could really use some photojournalists to bring us a REAL WORLD encounter with other people. we have to see this type of fantasy bullshit all over the media.
Lovely. The tinting reminds me of those sappy postcards you find in gift shops of little kids in oversized grown-up clothes that got popular in the early 90's (ew, right?). BUT, I LIKE the fact that those tinted Saudek photos remind me of them. Nice to see that there are artists that can transcend a genre that has been misused for years.
Interesting images,love the references to early photography
and his pushing the envelope of the "beautiful".Concerned about the hyperbole of the writers vis-a-vis "no one since Walt Whitman ...etc" keep the hype to a minimum and let the images breath free of bullshit.
It's sick, not enjoyable. I am not interested in looking at naked children in a sexual fantasy. I agree that everyone should have the right to choose but feel I would have liked a warning. Nothing else at Nerve has ever particularly offended me until now.
The only thing I found offensive were the big feet on the woman in #2. That took the rise right out of my pants. And I don't know why. As for the suicide try in #10, I'm printing that one out for the company bulletin board right now.
I understand that some of this work may be offensive- but it's art- it is supposed to make you question things. These are re-creations of fantasies- not the real thing- let them stir things in you- let yourself be taken by the images- maybe you'll learn something about yourself and your sexuality.
While some of my fellow nerve users may use your photography section as a masturbation tool, I've always enjoyed it for it's strong artistic value. Though, I do admit to being aroused by many of the beautiful and erotic photos. To the posters of this gallery who can't get past the fact that the children are naked I say get your minds out of the gutter. The fact that the children are naked isn't the perversity, it's the fact that you associate a child with being naked with sex. Nudity is natural and these particular photos (for the most part) are far from sexual. They are a modern day revival of surrealism which is obviously (and is stated) very influenced the great photographer Walt Whitman.
So I say to my peers...get your minds out of the gutter and make some space for some free thinking. Don't let the sensationalism of CNN and the Christianity dictate your ability to think freely.
Commentarium (41 Comments)
I used to think "art" was everybody. Perhaps people are coming to the gallery expecting the typical spread legged, big breasted nudes lit dimly by one light from the side, casting ambiguous shadows across the figure... ?
I think if one is going to take the time to slam an artist, they should examine the history of the work itself, or at least the artists. Saudek overcame some pretty harsh realities in coming up with his fantasies pictured in the gallery. Not to mention he is an expert craftsman with camera and technique.
Art needs to be approached with an open mind. Loosen up bit, people :)
Great gallery, it's nice something truely creative amongst all the T & A.
Just discoverd this site. First experience - Saudek photos. Wonderful. Thanks.
The article overlooks the fact that Joel Peter Witkin appears to be a major influence here. Just add color, a bit more blatent sexuality and you've got it. As for the children - is it the juxtaposition of such innocent beauty in contrast to the more disturbing pieces where the issue comes in? These children have some nudity, but are not being exploited. Would Jock Sturges work be portrayed as pornographic? Innocence is beheld by the young, viewer's behold the values they assign to nudity of the young,
In my opinion Saudek's work is visually interesting but devoid of message or real beauty.
I guess I just want to know when the creator of this (ART?) is going to blow his head of with a shotgun, sawed off and loaded with dimes for effect, of course. Incredibly sad soul.
I enjoy your website and appreciate your take on erotica and literature. However,the photo (in the collection "Realities") with the child is disturbing. It's not out of the category of child pornography, a phenomenon that destroys the lives of so many children. I'm not against people having fantasies, whatever they are, but a real child was used for that photo. I hope that you will remove this photo from your website. Thanks- Hedy Helfand
Very cool work here. Real interesting perspective and presentation.
Well... after reading all the feedback , it is plain to see that some people are very horrified to have someone actually steal the dark, freaky, twisted, pervy little thoughts from their head and compose a visual piece of art for the whole world to see. MAGNIFICENT! As far as child porn goes ... please ... not one of those children is involved in a sexual act ... as far as the "carney" look ...I love it ... who hasn't wanted to do the Big IT with the "fat lady", the one legged woman or the "little person" ( she is hot!). And also ... why is it that maimed ,deformed or handicapped people are not seen as sexual ? They are ! Lets just admit it ... this stuff is dark ... and dark makes us hot !
Great. Luv the feel.
Waauw !!!
Excellent Work. You must have been reading my mind with a few of your pictures. I had had them in my mind for a while, but just never got around to them. Job well done. Thank You.
Wow, very creative, stricking and unique. The contrasts are amazing, the visuals are dreamlike, amazing work.
i think the photographer has technical skill, as some one else pointed out....the women do seem a bit circus-esque, but this is a portrayal of fantasy, so i dont see why that should be a criticism. he did a good job, and many of these pictures are very beautiful, paying attention to light and composition. not compelling enough to be art, though it got the prudes' panties in a wad. hehe.
I think NERVE needs to do a better job in warning their viewers when some idiot takes some pictures of innocent children and decides to call it art....i'm dissapointed.. it's not art- its trash
I don't consider the pictures of children pornography artwork- it's beyond discusting.... art is something beautiful... something pure.. you have tainted it
... well, these images *must* be saying something powerfully, as they certainly generated many heated opinions both pro and con ... and that is what art is suppose to do, make you feel something, even if it is not positive. Some images are dream like, some sexy, some disturbing ... and that is what it's all about.
total shite...
... tak, znam janovy fotografie uz dlouho, i m from czech republic too, ale porad si myslim, ze jeho drivejsi dilka jsou ... no jak to rict, jsou vic intimnejsi a nabizeji vetsi prostor FANTAZII, ale pan saudek dela svou praci dobre, je to styl, ktery je nezamenitelny, stejne jako pan saudek sam, ps: u me porad vitezi a vzdy vitezila fotka c.4 !!! ma totiz nadhernou atmosferu !!!
Like most everything else on Nerve - any kind of pretentious bilge is "art", as long as you can see tits.
This "exhibition" displays the solipsism and ofay self-reference that plagues art today.
In its reduction of the symbolism of difference to freakshow images, this exhibition is corrosively dehumanizing.
And it's not "edgy" - just crass.
Three words.
Joel.
Peter.
Witkin.
This stuff just stinks. Stinks.
I read thetext on Saudek.I find his photography to be laughable. He is clearly desperate to look different and treats women ascircus creatures.It would be fine to simply say the truth- the man wants badlyto be a serious photographer, but has no ideas and therefore resorts to silly extremes. But I'm afraid that Nerve, for allof it's strengths, will "celebrate" anymediocre fiction writer or photogrqpher aslong asthe subject is sex or the human body.
Saudek reminds me of theconversation attributed to BellandEmerson when Bell told Emerson of his invention of the telephone: Bell "Now Maine can talk to Florida."Emerson: "Yes, but does Maine have anything to say to Florida."
Saudek has nothing to say.
Beautiful ..
all time high, moore Realities!
One of the very best of Nerve's exhibitions; the sense of bringing the viewer to the edge of something that's about to happen or just happened is palpable and one of the requirements of really good photography.
The faithful and loving immersion in the tinted 19th century style is a necessary further framing of each image to help objectify them and balance the intense and at times even shocking imagery. I loved this gallery
dig it. real stuff.
good "skill" at photographing but not the best at transmitting meaning. i'm sick of "real" people being portrayed at disgusting- his fantasy of real people, makes me think he's been sleeping with the media-zombies and is romanticizing the carnie folks. sometimes we should ask artists- hey, if you have skill, could you please put it to some use? we could really use some photojournalists to bring us a REAL WORLD encounter with other people. we have to see this type of fantasy bullshit all over the media.
Lovely. The tinting reminds me of those sappy postcards you find in gift shops of little kids in oversized grown-up clothes that got popular in the early 90's (ew, right?). BUT, I LIKE the fact that those tinted Saudek photos remind me of them. Nice to see that there are artists that can transcend a genre that has been misused for years.
these photos are like the secrets i really didn't tell anybody. that's the best way i can say it...
Creepy.
wihtout a doubt, the most *amazing* online gallery ive ever seen. fascinating. moving. the artist is inspired. ...wow.
Interesting images,love the references to early photography
and his pushing the envelope of the "beautiful".Concerned about the hyperbole of the writers vis-a-vis "no one since Walt Whitman ...etc" keep the hype to a minimum and let the images breath free of bullshit.
Wow.
Not at all what I expected. I LOVE that.
I think these nudes are among the finest, most creative I've seen anywhere ever. Bravo.
It's sick, not enjoyable. I am not interested in looking at naked children in a sexual fantasy. I agree that everyone should have the right to choose but feel I would have liked a warning. Nothing else at Nerve has ever particularly offended me until now.
Artisitic: yes. Ambiguous:sometimes. Worth buying: yes.
very surprisingand nice photography , sometimes weird
The only thing I found offensive were the big feet on the woman in #2. That took the rise right out of my pants. And I don't know why. As for the suicide try in #10, I'm printing that one out for the company bulletin board right now.
I understand that some of this work may be offensive- but it's art- it is supposed to make you question things. These are re-creations of fantasies- not the real thing- let them stir things in you- let yourself be taken by the images- maybe you'll learn something about yourself and your sexuality.
While some of my fellow nerve users may use your photography section as a masturbation tool, I've always enjoyed it for it's strong artistic value. Though, I do admit to being aroused by many of the beautiful and erotic photos. To the posters of this gallery who can't get past the fact that the children are naked I say get your minds out of the gutter. The fact that the children are naked isn't the perversity, it's the fact that you associate a child with being naked with sex. Nudity is natural and these particular photos (for the most part) are far from sexual. They are a modern day revival of surrealism which is obviously (and is stated) very influenced the great photographer Walt Whitman.
So I say to my peers...get your minds out of the gutter and make some space for some free thinking. Don't let the sensationalism of CNN and the Christianity dictate your ability to think freely.
What's up with the naked little girls in pictures six and fourteen???