VISION
What goes on inside your head when you see a naked body?
Society has us trained to automatically react to such a sight in one of these ways: by sexualizing, by judging, with disgust or shame, or by comparing ourselves to the person in question. These are the reactions observable on the surface; but even more important is what is simultaneously going on below the surface, hidden from view: feelings of inadequacy, obsession and perversion.
“I intentionally use the word ‘nakedness’ in this context rather than ‘nudity’. Nakedness is something innocent.”
And how come? Is that really a normal, healthy response? We don’t even see a naked body for what it really is anymore — that it is just a shell, an instrument that allows us to experience life on this planet and in a certain way. Sex, of course, is an aspect of that as well, but only one of many, many others.
I intentionally use the word ‘nakedness’ in this context rather than ‘nudity’. Nakedness is something innocent. It is the way we are born. Nudity is not — it is man-made and implies something sexual. You wouldn’t look at a bird flying by or a deer in the woods and think “oh gosh, a nude animal”. So why is it that we seem utterly unable to consider the sight or picture of an exposed human body in much the same way and see and appreciate it for what it is: a naked human body, a beautiful and very useful tool that helps us go about our daily lives?
Of course, all the above also translates into how we feel about and treat our own bodies. It is very rare to encounter people that are entirely comfortable in their own skin and with their own sexuality, much less express such a relationship with themselves. How should they, when every attempt to do so is likely to be mistreated by a society that is conditioned to judge through a lens of perversion, shame, and competition?
“Oppression creates obsession.”
Huge parts of the economy thrive on the artificially created needs and desires that stem from peoples’ insecurities, the unrealistic beauty and lifestyle standards we are being bombarded with every day; the perceived scarcity of certain resources, the censorship of that which is nothing but natural, thus creating an air of the forbidden, the sinful, which can then in turn be used to control and exploit people. Oppression creates obsession.
Realizing this is the first step towards freeing oneself from this system, which is part of my vision with ZORBA. Showing the human body naked as it is plays a big role in this, as it helps us recognize the hypocritical double standards we have created, and how we have been taught to differentiate: for example, why does the female nipple have to be censored? How is it much different from a male nipple, or from any other body part for that matter? Nipples are for feeding babies, and in that capacity almost all of us have seen and touched and suckled on one before. The difference back then was that our minds were innocent.
“Clothes can be way more sexual than nakedness itself.”
Clothes, too, often seem to have their main purpose not in being practical for warmth and protection or simple aesthetics, but either as masks to imply a certain status, persona, or act as armor for our fragile egos; or for eliciting sexual desire by concealing (or revealing) just enough to be considered alluring. Clothes can be way more sexual than nakedness itself. A naked body can be very innocent and non-sexual, it is simply nature. But add specific clothes and that changes everything.
Sex and the naked body are natural. They’re not bad nor sinful. Sexualization though has nothing to do with sex as it is supposed to be. Sex can (and should be) a beautiful, fun, respectful, and elevating experience to be fully savored. There is nothing wrong with wanting, enjoying, and giving sex. One can be a sexual person and still look at the naked body of an attractive person and not sexualize them, because what one sees first and foremost is a human being that deserves one’s respect, and because that body is not just a tool to satisfy one’s sexual desires. Sexualization and respect on the other hand are inherently mutually exclusive. Sexualization and objectification create disrespect, perversion, and obsession; an overall unhealthy relationship with sex and nakedness.
“Nobody other than the observer themself can be blamed for their obsession and perverted imagination.”
If someone associates something shameful or perverted with a nipple or a naked body, it has nothing to do with that nipple or body but is solely down to that person’s own sick mind and fantasy. Nobody other than the observer themself can be blamed for their obsession and perverted imagination.
ZORBA is an effort to give people a space to show confidence, love, and appreciation towards their own body and capture these moments in an aesthetic, tranquil, and sensual way; without the judgement, sexualization, objectification, or conformation to unattainable beauty standards propagandized by society and media. Rather, an inclusive platform to share and inspire others to rebuild the respect towards ourselves and others as human beings, no matter the shape, form, or state of dress or undress.
A step towards healing the corrupted minds of the collective.
“When you see a naked human, treat them with respect, even in your mind. ”
Another aspect why ZORBA came into existence is that quite honestly, I simply enjoy being around attractive women, and there is nothing wrong with that. I don’t objectify them, I don’t sexualize them. Rather, I treat them the same way I would an older sister, which is how I believe all men should treat all women. And honestly, I think that if there wouldn’t be the stigmata of society, many more people would admit that they enjoy being around people of the other sex. It’s normal, it’s a game of masculine and feminine energies; the very same energy that created everything around us, including you, me, the birds, the trees, and the fish.
When you see a naked human, treat them with respect, even in your mind. The same way you would if they were your son or daughter, sister or brother, mother or brother.
These are aspects of my vision and ZORBA is a tool to help bring this vision to life, by normalizing nakedness and respect for one another.
If you would like to partake in this project please feel free to reach out.