I don't know it when I see it...

I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced within that shorthand description; and perhaps I could never succeed in intelligibly doing so.
But I know it when I see it...

-Justice Potter Stewart

Balthus' paintings are stalking me. Is it art or pornography? Does it matter?

"It's an erotic scene. But you have to understand, it is not in the least quirky, none of the usual little naughtiness you show around under cover with winks and nudges. No, I want to proclaim in broad daylight, with sincerity and feeling, all the throbbing tragedy of a drama of the flesh, proclaim vociferously, the deep-rooted laws of instinct. Thus to return to the passionate content of art. Down with the hypocrites!"

-Balthus

He is talking about his painting - "The Guitar Lesson".




















Thought to be based on the Pieta of Villeneuve-les-Avignons:









Let's say it is art - then what about this photograph inspired by Balthus by Naoto Kawahara? (BTW, I decided to blur the naughty bits in case the US government decides that it is not art after all. The thought of becoming a registered pedophile is not one I find pleasing)