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The ancient Greek philosopher named Protagoras was very popular around the time of Socrates and Plato. He proposed a theory that can be utilized as the basis for all progressive thinking individuals to date. His theory was that all things are in motion (meaning in a constant state of change). This premise is very true when applied to the evolution and modification of nudity laws in America. Starting with the barriers being broken down on American beaches, by the interjection of the one-piece bathing suit, a slow, methodical movement was started. Eventually, Styles got a little more daring when men stopped wearing tops on the beaches, and women became bold enough to put on two-piece bathing suits.

As you stand back and think about Protagoras' theory, a little light goes off in your head, making you think that maybe he was right. Things and events are in a constant state of change, but the speed in which they take place is totally up to the will of the people. Referring back to the bathing suit evolution, next up is the bikini movement, followed by the dental floss type bathing suits. Along about the time that the bikinis came on the scene, nude sunbathing, nude clubs, nudist colonies, and a multiplicity of counter culture clubs and groups sprung up worldwide, in progressive thinking countries only.

At this point in time or in this day and age, like-minded individuals who like the nude lifestyle, find it necessary to put their heads together. Having met, socializing, and engaging in personal activities that people of this persuasion like to do, find it necessary to do these things behind closed doors, or at least within a sheltered environment.

The inventions of the Internet, smartphones, and various other communication devices make it possible for like-minded individuals to communicate, organize events, and exchange personal material in real time. This technology also provides a hedge of protection from law enforcement agencies who frown on free-spirited activities centered around nudity.

Various social and cultural norms regarding nudity.

There are different social and cultural norms regarding nudity all over the globe. This is a very important fact! Nudity is a normal condition, and this condition has existed for the majority of mankind's occupation on planet earth. Starting from cave dwellers, through the Greeks line, down through Roman civilization, and even through the Middle Age civilization. Right up until today, you will find naked societies in remote regions of warm climate countries. Their members don't wear clothes and go about their daily activities, happy and carefree. When you look at the societies and compare their attitudes to ours, there seems to be a conflict in values, in addition to what is important or not.

How to protect yourself from getting arrested, while engaging in nude activities.

The best way to carry on your desired activities, which are provided to you under the First Amendment is to first consult legal advice. This should definitely be the case if you are a part of a group who engages in a formatted club type of an organization. A civil attorney will provide you with an itemized list of things you can do, in addition to those that you should not do. This is also an excellent leverage device for discouraging interference from law enforcement, especially if legal permits are required. Always make sure that documents are filed before nude activities commence.

How to bend the rule? Pushing the nudity limits.

When looking for so-called push the limit situations, it is imperative that the people who will be involved do their homework. You must know if there are any laws in place that will hinder your activities. In certain states and cities, you can actually hire law enforcement to act as security for your nudity based events. When this is possible, they will act as protection and chaperons for your activities on a paying basis.

What are nudity related people and groups doing?

Believe it or not, there are literately thousands of nudity based groups and clubs worldwide, statewide, and citywide. The Internet makes it possible to make connections, join groups and clubs, and follow activities. Before the Internet, it was somewhat hard to make contacts in an expedited manner. However, with the growth and expansion of the world wide web, individuals can use their smartphones, laptops, tablets, and home base computers to make contact and interact with individuals of the nude oriented community.

Different ways to practice nudity anywhere safely?

It is possible to practice nudity in a variety of ways. First, you need to realize that nudity is a natural expression. This is how you came into the world, and simply speaking, it is a natural state of being. According to the Bible, Adam and Eve walked around naked, before they disobeyed God. According to this line of thinking, we were never meant to wear clothes but only did so after having done something that they were not supposed to do.

People do require clothing at specific points in time. However, there are other times when you should have the option to wear them or not. There are many cultures in underdeveloped areas of the world, where people wear little to no clothing period. It is almost a direct correlation between forced civilization and a reduction of natural living.

If you are thinking about diving into the nudism culture, it might be a good idea to get to know what nudism is all about. To most people indulging in this lifestyle, being nude is drawing closer to nature. Quite a few individuals feel that choosing this type of lifestyle will propel them to a new level of life enjoyment. Many feel that just because you are nude, you don't have to engage in sexual activity. Many nude goers indulge in sports like volleyball, jogging, swimming, body contest, body artwork, yoga, and even storytelling. These participants just indulge in the events just mentioned, without clothing, while feeling good doing it.

Various ways to voice your opinion about nudity.

I would venture to say that every single human being has had thoughts about what it would be like to go around naked. However, I bet that only a minute quantity of individuals ever got up enough nerve to visit a nude beach or attend a nudist resort. With this in mind, I would say that the best way to find out what individuals think about nudity, is to ask them. Virtually everyone has an opinion about nudity, but will not express them unless asked. The following are the answers that were received, when random individuals were asked their opinion about nudity.

“Nudity should be allowed everywhere; God gave us our bodies, so what is there to be ashamed of. We always hide it, because that is what society expects. The human body is beautiful and should not be hidden. It's ours, and we should be able to show it.”

“If you just sit down and think about it, there is absolutely nothing wrong with being nude in public. Doing this is a self-expression. I am open-minded, and I enjoy sunbathing nude, nude hiking, playing sports nude, mowing the lawn nude, riding my bike nude, and swimming nude. I'm lucky because I live out in the country with the nearest neighbor five miles away. If I lived in the city, the proximity of people would really put a damper on my activities.”

“This is what I think; If you don't like the thought of public nudity, all that you have to do is to keep your clothes on. Those individuals that feel the desire to be nude should be allowed to if it doesn't hurt anyone, and the place is private. As for kids seeing it, don't you think that they are naked at home plus see their parents naked. What's the big deal?”

“As long as kids are not involved, where is the harm? Now there are many nudist colonies, where parents bring their kids. They have been doing this for so long, that it is the norm. The clash comes in when outsiders want to impose their own personal beliefs on individual private groups. Who is right?”

“Public nudity is a healthy way to live and is no way a bad thing. I think that fear is the basis for those individuals as opposed to nudity. Public nudity is not a sexual thing when people are just trying to be free and one with their body. The average person worries too much about clothes, plus what others will think about them. In today's culture, nudity is seen as sexual; however, it's not. It's just people who want to be one with nature.”

“Clothing should be optional; The way we came into this world is the way we should go out. Until the government pays for everyone's clothing, it should be our option to wear clothes or not. How many sets of clothing do you feel that the government will purchase for everyone?”

“History has revealed that nudity does not harm society. However, clothing has made our bodies, sexual Objects. Going nude has physical, social, and psychological benefits. In your opinion, is natural nudity more offensive than body modifications such as tattoos or piercings? We embrace these elements openly and freely but condemn the beauty of the male and female body.”

Some other examples of various social and cultural norms regarding nudity.

In Alexander The Great's time (356-323 B.C.) there were several ascetic sects in India whose members walked about completely naked. This activity was considered part of their spiritual discipline.

Buddha used to be a naked ascetic before he founded his own religion. The Ajivikas used to demand complete nudity of all disciples until they completely disappeared.

The body of the Western world inhabitants, from the Middle Ages entering the nineteenth century, was not known for sanitation. Since these people viewed the unclothed body as sinful, the habit of bathing in bathhouses was unthinkable, unlikely, and unacceptable. Simple sponge or wipe down baths were the rule and custom.

For over two thousand years In Japan, nude family and mixed-sex communal bathing were approved by the dominant religions. Many public bath houses in Japan to this day have private rooms of various sizes where families or social groups can experience the steaming pools in privacy, while completely nude.

There were five groups in the history of Christianity: the Carpocrations, Adamites, Adamianis, Encratites, and Marcosians. These groups had several ministers and priests in the contemporary nudist movement. Many religious leaders used as their justification, the many parts of the Bible, which speak of accepting the human body without shame.

Also, throughout history, nudity has been used as a form of protest. During the Middle Ages, Lady Godiva rode a horse through the town square naked, except for her long hair, as a form of protest. If one's aim is to get noticed, in a clothed society, stripping is certainly the most effective way to get noticed. St. Francis of Assisi: "Who was rebuked by his bishop," removed his clothes and proceeded to take a stroll naked through the streets.

Benjamin Franklin is reported to have been seen swimming in the Thames in London without clothing, in addition to a nude cold-air bath each morning while reading or writing.

Writer Henry David Thoreau and poet Walt Whitman were very cognizant of the repressive attitudes regarding the human body, which existed in America. Their work expressed intense feelings for a back-to-nature, innocence, and body freedom movement.

In the day and age that we are living in, the naked body is still looked at as being unnatural. But with all of the advanced technology and diverse TV selections, anyone can view anything at the time of their choosing. This can be done with TV blocks that protect children from being exposed to overt nudity. However, viewing or participating in any overt physical nude activities, must be done with extreme candor.

In conclusion

There are people all over the world, who are really attracted to the nude lifestyle, but there is an equal number of individuals who could care less. If you are attracted to this lifestyle, make sure that you read up on it, to find the ideal spots to visit, the type of people that you would feel comfortable around naked, and the safest and most ideal spots to practice your new lifestyle.

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Abstract art is an art form which implements the use of lines, colors, and shapes which, while independent of true reality, remains representative of the same reality. When referring to a painting or sculpture of any kind, abstract art is one of three main categories typically referenced, with the other two being figurative art and representational. These two forms reflect works which are very near reality, while abstract art itself has been taken from reality and worked into the artists own vision, and this vision is usually very different from the real thing, though the subject is clearly recognized for being what it is, if indeed there is a subject that the piece is based on. It is also important to keep in mind that abstract art can be partially or completely abstract; in other words, the work can depart from the reality of the subject minimally, or it can appear so far from the truth that the subject cannot be recognized at all. Therefore, there are different levels of abstraction in this form.
Here we will discuss abstract art in deeper detail, including the history of the form, various abstract artists and their works, the theory of abstract art, and differences that are found in this genre when comparing works from the past to those of present day. We will also consider its contributions to the art world and the differences in its past and present, as well as the reasons some of the changes have taken place. This will aid in clarifying all of the primary points which make this form one of the most popular in the world today, setting it apart from traditional, or more realistic, forms of painting and sculpture which are commonly exhibited. It will also provide a better understanding of what works fit into this extraordinary category and enable you to begin to see how abstract art itself it a major necessity to the world of art and free personal expression.

The History of Abstract Art
Abstract art is a form which communicates mostly using different use of lines and shapes, and the color is used freely by the artist creating the work. This can be clearly seen all throughout history, and even more clearly when we look closely at items found which date back to ancient history. Hieroglyphics are perfect examples of this; people and things were clearly represented in the drawing, which used stark shapes. One with an angular skull had their faces portrayed as a simple triangle, for example.
Abstractive art took a much more solid position in the world during the 1800s, with it being embraced as a true art form which stood on its own. It came about through three specific forms which were its predecessors, so to speak. These forms included Expressionism, Romanticism, and Impressionism. As the public began to embrace these forms on an individual level, each evolved in its own manner, resulting in the abstract art form being born and embraced as well. During this time it also should be noted that the church began to turn its back on such works, and this had a direct impact on the opinions of others when it came to pieces of the abstract.
Post-Impressionist art led to the abstract works which were contributed in the 1900s. By this time artists had not only taken the form from expression through shape and color, but they also began to successfully experiment with surface texture, using the look and feel of the paint itself to generate an emotional response while conveying the message they wanted to send. The artist Cezanne made a clear point that all things can be portrayed in painting using only three basic shapes: A cone, a sphere, and a cube, and Picasso ran with this in some of his most famous works during this time. His piece ‘Les Demoiselles d’Avignon’ reflected this clearly and depicted five prostitutes in a brothel, each painted with what is described best as ‘violence’ using this exact technique. It is highly inspirational of emotion in any viewer who is to truly observe the piece and is a perfect example of the female form being represented through abstraction.
The early 20th century saw many abstract artists perfecting the development of Cubism, the very form of abstraction discussed above, and there are several other related forms which were developed as a direct result. All of these sub-genres take root in the abstract category itself. European and American abstraction became much more closely intertwined and relational during this period because of the changes which were so rapidly taking place, as well as the variety of artists who were expressing themselves with this form. ‘Modernism’ became the focal point, and exhibits and books enabled all artists to compare notes and take the form to new heights altogether. These resources allowed for ideas to be shared and artistic experimentation to take place, which would otherwise never be possible. To put it simply, abstraction was, and is, taken to personal levels which no other art form permits, regardless of what is being painted, and because of this fact it is often referred to as the only ‘pure art.’ It is completely untouched by reality and is entirely dependent on individual vision and implementation. It is thought to be one of the purest forms of artistic expression in existence, and as it grows and evolves more and more doors open for abstract artists the world over.
“Modern art,” which is a sub-type of abstraction, and is the common reference to the abstract, plays by absolutely no rules. There are no lines the artist must color in, and there is no dictation as to what should or should not be done when it comes to expression. Nazi Germany influenced this on an excessive level, as raw emotion played out the world over, enticing artists to take abstraction and all of its categories to places they had never been before, creatively speaking. In essence, abstract art in all forms is emotion on canvas, and emotion cannot be chained or dictated to. Today we see that some of the finest abstract art in existence makes absolutely no sense to the mind, but the heart can follow it precisely, and that is exactly what the form has always been about, since its birth all the way to present day.

Abstract Art: Its Theory
The process of defining the theory of abstract art is really very basic and simple. The artist cannot truly create art if they are forced to adhere to realism or rules. True art is a direct expression of the emotion of the artist, and it knows no bounds. While realism and traditionalism in the painting may be admired for its physical beauty in conveyance, abstract art, in and of itself, is considered beautiful because it takes what is inside and places it in the hands of others, allowing for the literal soul to be held, viewed, and appreciated. Abstract art is about expression through representation, using shape, color, and line to get the point across, and as modern artists have clearly shown, this has been done with great effect, backing up the above theory without question. Does this make the traditional realist any less an artist? The answer is no, but it can be definitively stated that some of the greatest artists who have ever lived are indeed the ones who have dared to be themselves, completely, on canvas. The act of ‘abstraction’ literally means ‘to draw out of.’ This is possibly the best way to put the form, as well as its theory, into words.
It is by grasping the theory of abstraction that one discovers how to appreciate the art form. Once an understanding is possessed by the observer a realization that the heart and mind of the artist are before they assist them in getting in touch with their own personal emotion as it relates to what they see before them. Now the door is open for each one to understand themselves.
The Embracing of the Abstract: Its Popularity
In the early year's abstract art in its many forms was kept at further than arm’s length, as the public viewed it as not only messy but as complete ‘non-art.’ If painted subjects did not look as they should, the work in question could not possibly be art. This prejudice, while making problems for the genre, succeeded to drive abstract artists only deeper into their desire for personal expression through their works. All it would take was the opening of minds, and souls, for the form to be accepted, and painters continued to strive harder and harder to show this to the world. Slowly, but surely, this was accomplished. Today the modern art of yesterday, which could not sell due to the misconceptions of its time, is greatly loved and recognized. Its expression is embraced easily today, as society is much more open to raw emotion and the conveyance of it in any form. There are still those who look at modern art as merely ‘kindergarten’ in implementation, showing little to no talent on the part of the artist. The fact is their talent lies in their ability to express. The same individuals with this mindset are unable to appreciate this fact, as it is not traditional to their thinking.

Abstract Artists and their Works
Here is a generalized list of some of the most well-known and recognized abstract artists, as well as some of the works they have contributed to the world. While each one’s work is attributed to varying sub-forms, each is considered to have given work that is abstract in theory and implementation.

Paul Cezanne, 1839-1906
Cezanne produced works which included “The Large Bathers” and Madame Cezanne in a Yellow Chair.”

Wassily Kandinsky, 1866-1944
Paintings Kandinsky is known for include “Improvisation No. 30” and “Houses at Murnau.”

Henry Matisse, 1869-1944
Matisse is much loved for works such as “Woman with a Hat” and “Blue Nude.”

Marsden Hartley, 1877-1943
Considered one of the greats, his contributions include “Madawaska” and “Movements.”

Paul Klee, 1879-1940
“Angelus Novus” and “A Young Lady’s Adventure” are among the works of Klee.

Pablo Picasso, 1881-1973
Picasso is one of the most loved of the abstractionists. His works sell for millions and include “Les Demoiselles” and “Girl Before a Mirror.”

Mary Swanzey, 1882-1978
Referred to as the first Irish Cubist, Swanzey gave us works like “Woman with White Bonnet” and “Reading the ‘Employment Offers.’”

Hans Hofmann, 1880-1966
The works of Hofmann include “Kaeidos” and “Table-Version II.”

Jean Metzinger, 1883-1967
“Two Nudes in an Exotic Landscape” and “Femme Au Chapeau” are attributed to Metzinger.

Josef Albers, 1888-1976
Included in the works of Albers are “Growing” and “Study for Tenayuca.”

Paul Nash, 1889-1946
Paul Nash contributed several wonderful paintings, including “The Menin Road” and “Existence.”

David Bromberg, 1890-1957
Bromberg did more than one self-portrait, and also painted “Mount Saint Hilarion and the Castle Ruins” and “At the Window.”

Jean Arp, 1887-1966
Works by Arp include “Nuit Recachetie” and “Before My Birth.”

Mark Tobey, 1890-1976
Mark Tobey contributed “Red Man, White Man, Black Man” and “New Crescent.”

Andre Masson, 1896-1987
“Battle of Fishes” and “The Kill” are only two of the fine paintings created by Andre Masson.

Evie Hone, 1894-1955
Hone gave “The Dining Table” and several stained glass pieces to the world. Evie Hone was and Irish Cubist.

Adolph Gottlieb, 1903-1974
“Flotsam at Noon” and “Man Looking at Woman” are among some of Gottlieb’s known paintings.

Barnett Newman, 1905-1970
Newman was adept at using lines and color together and had a large impact on the abstract form referred to as Post-Painterly. His works include “Voice of Fire” and “The Wild.”

Jackson Pollock, 1912-1956
“The Key” and “Easter and the Totem” are only two of the many paintings by this well-known artist. He is also considered the catalyst behind the ‘action painting’ movement.

Franz Kline, 1910-1962
Kline was known for frequently using the sharp contrasts produced when shades of white and black are used together. An American artist, two of his works are “Chief” and “Le Gros.”

Roy Lichtenstein, 1923-1997
Lichtenstein may have gained fame through his production of pop comic strips, but he was also a fine abstract artist, contributing works such as “Modern Painting with Clef” and “Modular Painting with Four Panels, #1”.
•Antonio Saura, 1930-1998
This Spanish painter was born in Huesca, and he had a style which was referred to as ‘semi-abstract.’ His works include “Mutacion” and “Perro de Goya.”

Gerhard Richter, born 1932
The German abstract artist Richter is known for Neo-Expressionism. Two of his contributed works are “Mrs. Wolleh with Children” and “Christa and Wolfi.”

Frank Auerbach, born 1931
Here is a British artist who is also considered semi-abstract, and his contributions to the form include “Head of E.O.W. IV” and “Looking Towards Mornington Crescent St.”

Georg Baselitz, born 1938
Baselitz is probably best known for the way he would feature his painted subjects in a transposed fashion. This can be seen in the works “Bottoms Up” and “Dinner in Dresden.”

While the above artists are some of the most well-known and loved, there are too many who have contributed incredible works of abstraction, and each one has impacted the various sub-genres for which they are associated. With research, one can find complete lists of artists who have worked in any movement which was or is considered abstract, and you can easily look at any of the pieces contributed by them by browsing online.

Changes in Abstract Art over Time
With each new artist comes a new perspective and fresh forms of expression. Personality, talent, and experience all play a vital role in each individual’s contributions. Other factors which play a part in changing the face of abstractionism include cultural and political influences, as well as the varying mindsets which surround each as the years go by. In the abstract form’s beginnings, much of what we saw was based on a real subject, yet the work itself seemed to skew off the course of that of the common abstract pieces the world was used to seeing due to the free use of shape, line, and color. The result worked, which consisted of what appeared to be chaos but was indeed expressive to the point of being embraced heartily by the public. Today abstract art is held in high regard under any sub-category, bearing any appearance and form, and completed using any technique. The more abstract the work, the more expressive and artistic it is considered.
It is important to keep in mind that this art form, like any, has literally evolved; changes in the past, present, and future have happened and will certainly continue to happen. A thorough study, even if done simply to learn to love the abstract itself, will show anyone how changes have taken place by the theory of abstraction itself. To fully appreciate the effect of time’s passage on this form, one must observe various examples contributed over the lifespan of abstract art.

The Major Contributing Role of Abstraction to the Art World
To sum up the purpose of abstract art briefly, it is a method of bringing the mind, will, and emotions and making them a tangible, visual part of our existence. This can only be accomplished by finely tuning oneself to a personal level of understanding, which succeeds in breaking one apart from reality, not melding them with it. It enables the individual to think creatively, outside of the proverbial box. This, in and of itself, is a major contributing factor to personal growth, both for the creator of these works and the viewer as well. No longer can an observer of the abstract see the world in black and white; at least, not if they have been touched in any manner by the piece or pieces they are viewing. Suddenly the world becomes full of possibility that has never been recognized before. An understanding of the artist and a means of personal expression through the observation and ownership of their work is a catalyst for the liberation of all.
This is the role of abstract art in the world and on those who inhabit it. So important is its role that it has successfully become an appreciated entity all its own. It is filled with life and color and individuality that is fully representative of the human race and all of its glory, and it also succeeds in helping to convey emotion in a way that no other medium can quite do. While traditional realism in art provides beauty and stability to our world, the abstract forms balance that out by taking things to the other extreme, and it is only through this balance that people can see the differences in each other, while fully appreciating the things which are, indeed, similar.

In Conclusion
The years have given us some of the most incredible works of art, in many forms. Anything created which expresses is indeed an art and however misunderstood abstraction in art has been, it is indeed one of the rawest, purest forms. Its acceptance by the public over time was, and is, inevitable. Even those who naysay cannot deny having seen a work which inspired them to one end or another, and many would be shocked to learn that the motivational piece was certainly abstract. While its form may not be a flavor suited to every artistic palate, it is a strong, strong genre, and becomes more and more popular every day. Cast your own eye over the works of abstract artists past and present, and you will find something that captures you. Study the work and come to understand the artist’s use of shape and color. You will certainly be surprised by the fact that you, too, are a lover of abstract art.

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