Ethics and Nude Child Photography - Assignment Example

Ethics and Nude Child PhotographyThe contemporary society recognizes the freedom of artists to express themselves, even though concerns may emerge about the morality or legality of generated art works. It is unquestionable that artists often go beyond implied boundaries of societal norms, to the extent of offending conservative audiences. The situation poses a dilemma since civil structures in the modern day do not want to impose censorship on arts they deem controversial. Some of the contemporary art works that have continued to spur controversy are nude photographs of children.

Critics of such nude photography argue that it not only violates subjects’ innocence, but also constitutes child pornography, which is illegal. However, the principal argument in this case is that modern art, such as nude child images, is supposed to evoke strong emotions, including discomfort so that it can realize its objective of showcasing the admirable innocence of childhood prior to mental and moral corruption. I, therefore, believe that Mann and Demaree did not act unethically by taking and exhibiting nude photographs of their children.

Sally Mann published and exhibited a series of photographs aptly named “Immediate Family” in the early 1990s. The series sparked controversy and even brought about accusations that Mann was exploitative. This debate stemmed from the fact that the images featured Mann’s three kids, mostly naked, frolicking in streams and in the yard in their Virginia home (Woodward, 1992). More than a decade and a half later, an American family found itself in the middle of a similar debate. This was in the year 2008, when Lisa and Anthony Demaree travelled to San Diego with their three daughters.

In the course of their vacation, they took innocuous nude photos of the daughters during bath time and as they lay beside each other holding hands. After going home, they took the photos to a Wal-Mart store for developing. Employees at the store reported the couple to the Police, citing child pornography and after failing to inform them about Wal-Mart’s policy on unsuitable content. The situation escalated as the coupled lost custody of their kids for a year and accrued significant legal fees (Ellin, 2013).

The image series in both cases created and continue to fuel debate regarding the morality of the art, and its distinction from child pornography.In both the Demarees’ and Mann cases, the photographers intended to take innocent images of their children as they did ordinary activities. Mann’s photos, in black-and-white print are not only impeccable, but also provide an unrefined vision of innocent childhood. The photographs, although unsettling for some, are direct and provide insight into some of the disturbing yet beautiful aspects of childhood that are often ignored.

Further, Mann’s photos of her mostly nude kids show how unassuming, uncontrolled, and fun, growing up can be in an unrestricted environment. In the case of the Demarees, the couple only sought to preserve memories of their San Diego trip and they were also captured by the innocent manner in which their kids enjoyed simple activities. While others may be quick to dismiss the photographs or term them as indecent, they clearly explore the process of growing up in an honest and direct manner. Further, the photographers in question sought to chronicle their children’s normal activities, and this does not make them immoral.

In conclusion, Mann’s and Demarees’ decision to photograph their children naked is not immoral. It is imperative for art to convey all forms of societal messages without solely seeking to showcase aspects that people consider comfortable. Further, the intention of the photographer or artist should not be overlooked in attempting to interpret the art work. As long as there is no malice or ill intention, it is not feasible to define certain works as unethical. ReferencesEllin, A. (2013). Ariz.

Couple Sues Wal-Mart over Kids’ Bath Photos. ABC News. Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2013/03/ariz-couple-sues-walmart-over-kids-bath-photos/Woodward, R. (September 27, 1992). The Disturbing Photography of Sally Mann. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/1992/09/27/magazine/the-disturbing-photography-of-sally-mann.html?pagewanted=print&src=pm