posted November 8, 2009
It took me a while to enter the fray and participate in the debate of the new statues by the aquarium. It is one of those debates where no one really wins. Regarding nudity and art, there are basically two categories.
The first holds the belief that art is a freedom of expression and the human body is beautiful and there are few boundaries to where and how it should be displayed. The second is for those who are considered prudes with no appreciation for art and the rights of the artist to express himself.
My problem is I cannot wedge into either category. I must admit some of the most spectacular pieces of art in history contain a degree of nudity and celebration of the beauty of the human body. Frankly the human body, by the hand of God, is one of most incredible and miraculous creations of all time. God was quite an artist himself. I personally am not particularly offended by the new statue. However, that is not the point. My comment is why can't common sense prevail in any realm of our society?
Chattanooga is a wonderful city and a strong attraction to families from all walks of life and across the country, if not the world. It is a family-oriented city. Downtown Chattanooga is awash with parents meandering down the street holding hands with their children and pushing strollers. Why is it necessary to so prominently place nude statues right beside the aquarium to celebrate the seasons? Why is it necessary they be nude? Couldn't we work a sweater or bathing suit into the design? Could we not find an artist who would consider a leaf, snowflake, raindrop and the sun sculpted in bronze to represent the seasons? Heck, how about four birds?
No offense intended to the artist because his work is beautiful and I am certain he means no harm. But someone should have identified the issue in marrying the design to the placement.
I just can't understand why there are those who insist on destroying what little morality and dignity remains in society. Why can't we allow parents who sacrificed hard earned money to get away to a nice family friendly city to just relax, watch the fish and share an ice cream cone with their kids without having to explain what the big bulges are on that lady and why she is naked?
I believe the slippery slope was graded during the old television show Hill Street Blues. The show was charting new territory as it shredded the FCC pages of moral decency. I remember how long and hard they successfully fought to insert the shot of Dennis Frantz standing completely naked with his full moon filling the TV screen. Those early progressives cheered the victory as nudity finally made it to prime time. All I remember thinking was how did a nude shot of Mr. Frantz's butt contribute to the quality of the T.V. show or enhance the dramatic story line? I didn't see the point then and I don't see the point now.
I also cannot come to grips with the fact that the things people seem to be grossly offended by and get fired up about are the decadent display of the ten commandments in a courthouse, a cross in the middle of the desert, a high school cheerleader holding a sign with a scripture verse, the utterance of Merry Christmas and the audacity of anyone who bows their head in a public display of prayer. What a confounding predicament it would be for some if a cheerleader stood nude while holding a sign depicting a Bible verse.
It will be a sad day when the silent majority completely gives up and is no longer shocked by any behavior; when we are no longer offended by anything and when dignity no longer exists.
Randy Baker
Chattanooga
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Great art engenders dialogue, thought, debate. What is appropriate? What is beautiful? What is obscene? Which values should a society embrace or eschew? Thank you Mr. Akhreiv for enlivening our public discourse, even in this humble venue.
Clifton A. McCormick
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The city can put any form of art on display they want; just don't use my money to buy it. The artists in Chattanooga can start a non-profit corporation, a trust, a foundation, etc. When government forces taxpayers to participate in art, corporate welfare, or anything other than basic services, it is called fascism. The founders envisioned a simple non- intrusive government; the Republic is over.
Chuck Davis
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I have been fortunate enough in my lifetime to know Mr. Akhreiv. He is truly a wonderful human being. Art is art whether it be a nude or a landscape.
It is an expression, a vision, something from the heart to share. It is something that comes from within.
There is nothing more beautiful than the human body. Mr. Akhreiv pours his heart and soul into every piece of artwork he has ever created. I know. I have watched it transpire from canvas to sheer beauty within in a matter of hours, to days, to years. I have been fortunate in my lifetime to have some of his prized work decorate my walls as well as countertops, etc. Congratulations Daud.
Thumbs up old friend,
Josh Mantooth
Jreddick28@comcast.net
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Maybe the city could hire John Ashcroft to cover the nude statues like he did the "Spirit of Justice" statue in the Great Hall of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Herb Spaulding
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