Censor yourself.

In a progressive school with so much talent, it seems absurd that students are not allowed to display any paintings, drawings, or sculptures that contain frontal nudity. This can limit artistic expression, since students are aware of the rule when they begin their work. It is also unfair for anyone to tell students who put forth maximum effort that their work is not worthy of being exhibited on the walls.

Not only does the rule create problems within art classrooms, but it also stimulates the stigma surrounding nudity. Unless students depict pornographic images, there shouldn’t be a problem with portraying the naked human body. Nudity is natural and should be treated as such. Implementing regulations on student work contributes to our society’s faulty view of human nature.

According to Green Garage’s article 9 Primary Pros and Cons of Censorship, censorship exists to protect youth and prevent certain groups of people from getting offended. It is not an artist’s job, however, to protect society. Rather, it is to expose people to controversial topics– or in this case, human beings in their purest form. Furthermore, our school strives to accept every person and their views, but other people’s beliefs should not influence artistry.

AP Art History teacher Pamela Sloan explains that there is no distinct line in art between what is acceptable and what isn’t. There is constant discussion in the building and much room for change.

It is important that we continue pushing the boundaries of creative expression. Art students should be able to share their work with the rest of the school, no matter how much clothing their subjects wear.