Artists and Prostitutes—Soul Mates with Scars

It might arguably be one of the most recognizable paintings of all times—Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”—his 1907 transitional cubist painting of prostitutes remembered from his youth in Spain. It is not only one of the most well known, but was Picasso’s most treasured. He did over 800 preliminary sketches in making the painting and kept it with him (literally under his bed) for life.

But Picasso was not alone in capturing prostitutes in art. For almost any artistic depiction of a female nude that you see in the art museums of the world, the model was probably a prostitute. Yes, on rare occasions the model has been a bored society woman, a naïve tropical girl, an art student, a girlfriend or wife of the artist. But, usually it was a woman of the night. And yes, in some cases, the artist used the model for more than artistic reasons and ended up dying of syphilis as a result.

Why use prostitutes as models? The most obvious reason is practicality. In almost any age and society (except for ours), taking your clothes off for anyone other than the doctor or your husband put you out of decent society. So for most artists, the only source of nude models was the prostitute pool.

But if you look at the most famous depictions of nudes, you do not see the sleazy, enslaved, tortured, drug riddled side of prostitution. But rather you see beauty both external and from the heart. The reasons for this are not so obvious. Perhaps the artist just wants to mask the ugliness of the prostitute’s sad and desperate world. But perhaps it is much more complicated. Perhaps the artist wants to show the thread of beauty and hope that the soul of the prostitute is still clinging to.

I manage the business affairs of my husband Pablo Solomon who is an internationally recognized artist. We have used prostitutes and semi-pros as models over the years. We are always amazed at the transformation that they make when treated as worthwhile and used for something other than physical sexual favors. It is as though the little girl that once really thought she could be a ballerina or a princess still wants to shine through. As one gets to know the women, the stories are always so similar—sexual abuse as a child, drug addiction, or abusive relationships. Sometimes it is laziness and greed coupled with a realization that men are chumps for beautiful women. Whatever the reasons, the woman begins selling herself and then there is little turning back.

So why do artists seem to connect with these women? Why do they depict them as objects of beauty? Why don’t they dwell on their sad reality? If you think of prostitutes as selling their bodies and souls for money, the answer is easy. Artists see themselves in the prostitute. Artists are in effect putting their souls into their work. They are exposing their most intimate recesses.

Artists are also on the fringe of society. They are more often observing, interpreting and documenting the society that they live in than being immersed in the daily life that most people live. Artists are different by choice. This difference tends to snowball to the point that an artist reaches a point where there is no turning back. He must continue selling his soul for art. Yet, deep inside there is that person that wants society to view him as still having a good heart and soul. So when an artist depicts a prostitute, it is projection on the grandest of scales.

Beverly Solomon

Beverly Solomon is well known for her writings on art history, the artist's lifestyle and art travels. She is creative director for musee-solomon which houses the studio and collection of her artist husband Pablo Solomon. They currently live on their historic ranch near Austin, Texas. www.musee-solomon.com

DRIVE YOURSELF INTO THE ARTWORLD

          Have you ever thought about turning your business or road trip into a cultural event? Of course, you can always take a couple of hours to visit a city’s major museums and I highly recommend that. But what about visiting an artist’s studio?

            To have a private tour of an artist’s studio is a privilege. This is their sanctuary where they live and work. It’s like walking into their right brain. This is where they are inspired and tormented.

           When visiting an artist’s studio, look for clues. Do they have an inspiration board? Big clue! What kind of CDs, magazines and books are lying around? Do they have a pet or pets? What kind of art do they own? And of course as the conversation flows, listen to what they have to say about their work. Remember, artists are highly visual and may not be very good at communicating verbally. Because they spend so much time alone, a sincere visit to view their work is very flattering to them.

          Be prepared to buy something – anything-- and bring cash. You would be surprised at the bargains that you may get. A piece that has been in the studio for awhile may be had for very little money. Also, sketches that are not meant to be sold could be bought if the artist likes you. Make sure the artist signs and dates it. And if the artist is not camera shy, get a photo of yourself with the artist. This will make your piece even more valuable and memorable. Private time with an artist in his/her studio will be an unforgettable experience for you.

TIPS when visiting an artist’s studio

Call in advance. This is rule number one! Artists are not use to regular visits.

Do not bring children with you. Artists are usually not children friendly in their studios.

Don’t expect refreshments. This is not a wine and cheese reception at a gallery.

Never ask an artist to show you how to draw, paint, sculpt, etc. They are artists, not teachers. If they are teachers, sign up for their workshop.

Bring cash and be polite when asking to buy something. Do not haggle over a price. If the artist likes you, he may even give you something.

Write or email a thank you note immediately after visiting the artist in his studio. If you “clicked” with the artist, stay in touch. It could turn out to be a rewarding friendship.

More and more artists are going online these days. Do a little research and when you find an artist that interests you, start a dialog with him/her via email. The next time you will be in the artist’s area, call to set up an appointment.

Beverly Solomon is the wife, muse and Creative Director for sculptor A. A. “Pablo” Solomon. They live and work on their historic 1856 ranch in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. www.musee-solomon.com