Samuel G. Carlson 

About the artist

 

Samuel G. Carlson has drawn in private for as long as he can remember. He has no formal training, but has “picked up some technique through years of goofing off during classes.” His first real show was a mixed media display this past June composed of sketches and materials recovered from a house fire.

 

Why this show?

​In his words:

 

“I am interested in participating in this exhibition because I believe in the premise that nudity is over stigmatized. Nudity, bodies, and their associated shames have always colored my life, and the public baring of such images is an important step in moving forward. 

 

The nude form is traditionally depicted in ideal conditions - that is to say, conditions in which real nudity typically does not occur. When we are nude we are rarely arrayed on day beds, and scarcer still standing upon a scallop. We are more likely bending to pick up a stray sock or scurrying to a bathroom in the dark. Nudity is a private thing that is often coupled with private activities. Genuine nudities’ stigma comes from it’s scarcity, but also from the artifice of nudity as it is presented to us. These pieces are intended to show not only nudity, but also naked moments, and to express a distaste for the social statement that is inherent in the lack of clothing.”