During WWI, America figured out that sex is one of the best motivation tools in the world. Propaganda proclaiming loudly, “I would go to war, if I were a man” was plastered all over on posters with long bare-legged women and tiny sailor hats. It was the beginning of calendar girls and war poster ads and the end of Mucha’s poster renaissance. And from the propaganda, calendar girls and magazine drawings comes the pin-up girl.
While pin-ups are common now all around the world, their traditions are very American. Today’s image is an example of the classic pin-up style. She’s wearing enough clothing to excite and inspire; but you can tell that not wearing a bra piece was her decision. Her smile is shy, but her look is sassy, bold, and independent. Her sexuality is completely unapologetic as well, something that has the power to thrill and excite with possibilities.
Pin-ups saw a decline after 1953’s Playboy debut, when photography became the wave of the future. But they’re seeing a resurgence today in American culture. Burlesque shows recently made their way back to Coney Island, NY (one of their birthplaces); and groups like the Suicide Girls bring more popularity with them. However, they’re not seeing too much of that same attention in 3DX.
It’s possibly because 3DX has the capability of creating something with so much more detail that we lose touch of the art of suggestion. 3DX is trying to sell an image already based in sex. Pin-ups were from the beginning of using sex to sell things as basic as a toaster and then became an art form all on their own. But regardless of their beginnings, the power of suggestion and subtly is an art form that should not be neglected. Our own imaginations are the strongest tools we have to look at and enjoy art in all it’s forms. The pin-up is a strong, established art style that can only grow in 3DX.