Nude: Art from the Tate collection

“What spirit is so empty and blind, that it cannot recognize the fact that the foot is more noble than the shoe, and skin more beautiful that the garment with which it is clothed?”

— Michelangelo

Why are we so fascinated with nudity in art? From naked flying angel babies to beefed-up Greek Gods wrestling minotaurs to the ground with their bare hands; we seem to relish the portrayal of the human form in its birthday suit. I challenge you to walk into any self-respecting art gallery and not witness at least one painting of a nude person. You won’t. Nudity has always been, and will always be, part of our intrinsic art culture.

But that still doesn’t explain why. What is the psychology behind the great works of Michelangelo? Picasso? Matisse? The list goes on and on. Why do these legends of art all unite in this common practice?

Nudity in art has always garnered mixed reviews. From the eyes of observers, nakedness can be something to shy away from. We belong to a culture that identifies itself as too civil to parade around unclothed, and so the mere sight of nudity in the public eye can unsettle and even repulse. For most, it reminds us of sex, and thus impacts the mind in different ways. The idea being that a nude figure is inherently symbolic of sexual activities or thoughts and must, therefore, be locked away in order to refrain us all from becoming sex maniacs.

JUST ANNOUNCED: As part of 'Nude live' with @sydneydanceco for #SydFest, the performance on Monday 23 January will be for nude audience members only. Bookings are open for ages 18+ and clothing will not be permitted during the event. #NudeAGNSW

A post shared by Art Gallery of NSW (@artgalleryofnsw) on Nov 8, 2016 at 3:13pm PST

But what does the nudity really represent? Surely, it must be more than just a means to render sexual imagery, right? Have you ever found yourself staring for maybe a little too long at a nude painting in a public exhibition, only to feel that unerring sensation that judging eyes are upon you for holding your gaze? Thought so. Don’t be alarmed.

You have, in fact, become victim to the very emotions that the artist was hoping to inspire. Art isn’t always meant to awe and delight you. It is also designed to challenge you.

So with that I say, don’t shy away from this controversial art form any longer; rather, embrace the beauty of the human form at the opening of the Nude Art from the Tate Collection showcased at the Art Gallery of NSW. With over 100 pieces representing the human body from renowned artists, discover a different way of viewing nudity. Each artist had a different motive in mind – some chose to idealise the human body, some use it as a vehicle for innocence; some for lust or power. Others go deeper and connect human nudity with various political or religious ideologies. The messages are as diverse as they are beautiful.

Make sure to check out the centrepiece of the exhibition: Auguste Rodin’s most famous sculpture The Kiss. Arguably the world’s most defining portrayal of human eroticism and passion, this amazing monument is one of the purest re-imaginations of the strength of human love. Created in Paris at the start of the 20^th century, it will be the first time the sculpture has left its European home.

Don’t miss out on a chance to discover why nudity has persisted and stood the test of time through art. Embrace the struggle, the desire, the honesty and the vulnerability of the human condition in its truest form.

NUDE is on at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until February 5, 2017.