Bea Arthur's Boobies
Bea Arthur topless painting sells for nearly $2M, reports Natalie O'Neill in the New York Post:
The bare-breasted Bea Arthur piece, which the former "Maude" actress never actually sat for, was derided as misogynist by critics when it came out.Some writers even urged art lovers to boycott Currin's shows in the early 90s. But his work is now widely acclaimed and hangs in museums such as the Whitney.
A Christie's spokesman called the painting "visually lasting."
"It's historically significant -- it's radical to sexualize someone people think of as asexual," spokesman Koji Inoue said.
He added, "The painting has a visual toughness to it -- but it's also fun."
"Bea Arthur Naked" first stirred controversy in 1991, when critics blasted it for being sexist and misogynistic.
Others argued it was actually a feminist statement about confidence and age.
The New Yorker described the series that includes the portrait as "acrid fantasy portraits of menopausal women."
I hope somebody sexualizes me when I'm an old bag.
I hope somebody sexualizes me when I'm an old bag.
Me too! But I have a question: are Bea's boobs better looking than Angelina's?
Seriously. Inquiring minds want to know.
Flynne at May 16, 2013 7:19 AM
"acrid fantasy portraits of menopausal women."
I glanced at this and saw "acid fantasy portraits of menopausal women." Calling Andy Warhol!
But "acrid"? That's completely different. Never mind.
Pricklypear at May 16, 2013 7:20 AM
"visually lasting."
Yeah, I imagine seeing that portrait would give me nightmares too. Back in the day I'm sure Ms. Arthur was quite fetching, but...DAMN!
bkmale at May 16, 2013 7:48 AM
"I hope somebody sexualizes me when I'm an old bag."
Why wait?
A big part of this imagery is attitudinal. A few years ago, when Lauren Bacall appeared on Letterman, it was clear to me that next to that woman, all men were mere boys.
Radwaste at May 16, 2013 8:42 AM
sheez people get wrapped around the axle about the stupidest sh*t.
"The New Yorker described the series that includes the portrait as "acrid fantasy portraits of menopausal women."
yeah, 'cuz we're mean if we look or don't look, and our gimlet eyes damn us for every reason, and no reason.
my reaction would be something like "What, were you expecting J. Edgar Hoover in a corset?!?"
SwissArmyD at May 16, 2013 9:13 AM
Me too! But I have a question: are Bea's boobs better looking than Angelina's?
Too soon...*face palm*
I R A Darth Aggie at May 16, 2013 9:33 AM
I guess I can't make a statement on it, since the nudity have been cut out. For my own protection, of course.
Meloni at May 16, 2013 11:51 AM
*has
Meloni at May 16, 2013 11:52 AM
It'd be funny if the portrait got an inch lower each year.
Eric at May 16, 2013 12:29 PM
"A big part of this imagery is attitudinal."
Attitudinal or not, my eyes need bleach.
wtf at May 16, 2013 6:54 PM
From "Golden Girls":
Dorothy: "When I was in third grade, there was a kid running for office. His slogan was, 'Vote for me, and I'll show you my wee-wee.' He won by a landslide."
lenona at May 17, 2013 8:40 AM
"(S)he's a loathsome, offensive brute, yet I can't look away."
bkmale at May 17, 2013 8:41 AM
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