Nude Amongst Architecture

Watercolor, India Ink & Gouache

2001

14.5" X 19" Each
(Triptych Displayed Horizontally)

This is a watercolor triptych that was made while I was considering some of the changes in architecture throughout history. The nude figure used to be common, but ever since the International Style became dominant, they've not only been absent, but are often frowned upon (as seen by the United States Government in 2002).

I had sketches for this piece, progressing from core architectural elements and a “shy” figure, to an entire city plan with a more revealing figure. I hired a model and largely appropriated the architectural drawings of German architect Ferdinands Brücke. The nude female, nurturing society, contrast beautifully with the harder edged drawings. Had I chosen a male nude, the paintings would have voiced a much different meaning, one of ruling and domination. The female offers a more comforting approach to my purpose.