Comment on Breathe by AfterDarqq
This actually makes me feel a bit queasy. It's brilliantly executed but the motif I find really disturbing. The sexualised pose of the subject combined with the choking makes for a very objectifying and misogynist interpretation. If you wanted to express the feeling of choking in a way or another, why make the subject sexy? And if you wanted to express sexuality and erotica, why is the subject being choked?
"why make the subject sexy?"
Why not?
Is not "sexy" a more subjective phrase anyway though? Since sexy "isn't" universally objective, people have differing tastes.
"And if you wanted to express sexuality and erotica, why is the subject being choked?"
Is not Sexuality and Erotica broad, and spans a vast spectrum of subjects? I shouldn't have to list any examples.
"The sexualized* pose of the subject combined with the choking makes for a very objectifying and misogynist interpretation"
Maybe to certain hypersensitive people, like you.
The beauty of it is that it is subjective. I could even argue the hands choking her could be female hands. Since the artist never mentions. Even if they did, I don't see an "objective anything" in this piece.
The artist has expressed what they wanted, and they have already mentioned they meant no harm towards women ect. It's a shame they should even have to say such things to justify what they want to draw to anyone anyway.
I don't mean to come off as insulting when I say you are being hypersensitive, but I think your criticisms lack substance, and are coming from a more narrow view.
Why not?
Is not "sexy" a more subjective phrase anyway though? Since sexy "isn't" universally objective, people have differing tastes.
"And if you wanted to express sexuality and erotica, why is the subject being choked?"
Is not Sexuality and Erotica broad, and spans a vast spectrum of subjects? I shouldn't have to list any examples.
"The sexualized* pose of the subject combined with the choking makes for a very objectifying and misogynist interpretation"
Maybe to certain hypersensitive people, like you.
The beauty of it is that it is subjective. I could even argue the hands choking her could be female hands. Since the artist never mentions. Even if they did, I don't see an "objective anything" in this piece.
The artist has expressed what they wanted, and they have already mentioned they meant no harm towards women ect. It's a shame they should even have to say such things to justify what they want to draw to anyone anyway.
I don't mean to come off as insulting when I say you are being hypersensitive, but I think your criticisms lack substance, and are coming from a more narrow view.
I don't think it's a shame to discuss art in any way, I think discussions like this are always good to have around a piece of art as they promote understanding of others views and understanding of art.
I wouldn't say that I'm hypersensitive, but I work a lot with how genders are portrayed in art and of course that perspective is always close at heart when I view artworks. That's the beauty of art, that we all see it differently.
To me it doesn't matter which gender the chocking hands belong to, the point is that the subject, who is female (like 97% of all people portrayed in art - something to ponder) is being portrayed both in a sexualised (ie sexy - I didn't know the word sexualised didn't exist in English) way while being abused (choked). In a world where sexual violence against women is so common I think it is necessary to contextualise this and examine how we portray women in art (as we mostly do). This painting is not an isolated incident, women are portrayed as weak and inferior, objects to behold, in the majority of art. Women are painted from the perspective of a heterosexual man, and are thus made to be enjoyed. I believe that we need to understand and examine this, and the effect it has on the viewer and in the long run, our society. Art is both a reflection of what is and a way to affect what is to come, and I believe that as an artist one has to be aware of that.
If the painting is meant as an erotic piece I think it's a bit disturbing that the subject is being choked - if it pertained to a special fetish or sexual interest I would have liked that to be expressed from the artists side. I am myself interested in BDSM and can see how this would be attractive for some, but I hardly think all people who have commented on, liked or even viewed this without any reaction on the motif are interested in BDSM or sexual asphyxiation. That is what I find disturbing, that so many view this way of portraying women in a weak and sexual way in the same time as something normal.
I wouldn't say that I'm hypersensitive, but I work a lot with how genders are portrayed in art and of course that perspective is always close at heart when I view artworks. That's the beauty of art, that we all see it differently.
To me it doesn't matter which gender the chocking hands belong to, the point is that the subject, who is female (like 97% of all people portrayed in art - something to ponder) is being portrayed both in a sexualised (ie sexy - I didn't know the word sexualised didn't exist in English) way while being abused (choked). In a world where sexual violence against women is so common I think it is necessary to contextualise this and examine how we portray women in art (as we mostly do). This painting is not an isolated incident, women are portrayed as weak and inferior, objects to behold, in the majority of art. Women are painted from the perspective of a heterosexual man, and are thus made to be enjoyed. I believe that we need to understand and examine this, and the effect it has on the viewer and in the long run, our society. Art is both a reflection of what is and a way to affect what is to come, and I believe that as an artist one has to be aware of that.
If the painting is meant as an erotic piece I think it's a bit disturbing that the subject is being choked - if it pertained to a special fetish or sexual interest I would have liked that to be expressed from the artists side. I am myself interested in BDSM and can see how this would be attractive for some, but I hardly think all people who have commented on, liked or even viewed this without any reaction on the motif are interested in BDSM or sexual asphyxiation. That is what I find disturbing, that so many view this way of portraying women in a weak and sexual way in the same time as something normal.
Aah, I'm glad I wasn't the only one. I really do love this piece, especially it's colors, but it gives quite a weird message. I really wish the artist would've given a better hint at the original intent, but hey, art is up for interpretations.
Though I think it does have something to do with erotica/sexually, some people have a fetish for being choked during the act. (Such as Sabamenides said.) Because she isn't moving away like someone would be if they were being painfully choked and how the other 'person' is holding her throat isn't like someone who is trying to injury seriously (but it still does constrict/hurt.) So it may be for that purpose?
Though I think it does have something to do with erotica/sexually, some people have a fetish for being choked during the act. (Such as Sabamenides said.) Because she isn't moving away like someone would be if they were being painfully choked and how the other 'person' is holding her throat isn't like someone who is trying to injury seriously (but it still does constrict/hurt.) So it may be for that purpose?
Well, this might not be directly related to this piece, I can't know if it's part of the original motivation because the artist was extremely brief in the description. While your concern is perfectly valid in the first place, I just had to give my two cents about your second question: there is actually a (quite dangerous) sexual practice involving controlled choking, it's called erotic asphyxiation.
I know about erotic asphyxiation, but I wouldn't interpret it as that unless the artist made it more clear or at least mentioned it. I would love some artist input on this!
r.i.p. David Carradine, lol (or not really a laughing matter? ... *awkward confusion enters* 
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yeah, I was thinking about that too...
it makes me feel kinda bad for liking this piece, even it being due to the coloring and the style
it makes me feel kinda bad for liking this piece, even it being due to the coloring and the style