We had the good fortune of connecting with Christopher Wallace and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christopher, what matters most to you?
Integrity. For our event, Nude Art LA, integrity guides every decision we make. We recognize that we can’t do these shows without our incredibly talented artists, so we never charge them an application fee or a booth rental fee. Similarly, we believe in the integrity of the message our show conveys, and strive to ensure we create an environment that is about acceptance, inclusiveness, and finding artistic beauty in the human form, regardless of shape, size, color, sexual preference, gender identification, religion, or any other label.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Nude Art LA was born as an art show designed to explore the beauty of the naked human form. It does this through both the fine and performing arts. It also carefully avoids straying into anything the average Angeleno might consider obscene or sexual. Still, the very word “nude” has proven too much for some to handle. Venues have refused to host the event, a bank closed the show’s corporate account, and the word has even been censored in various forums as though it was an obscenity. Still, we persevere and have created an event that celebrates humanity in all of its infinite variety, provides a platform for contemporary artists and performers to express themselves, yet is exciting, thought-provoking, sexy, and fun all at the same time. As far as we know, it’s the only show of its kind of this size in LA. We’re proudest of the way our show has quickly grown while the diversity in our participants, their works, and the people who attend our events has continued to broaden.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA has so much to offer, it’s hard to know where to begin. Highlights might include hikes overlooking the city or the ocean, visits to some of the many museums, a stroll through some of our gardens, an evening at the Magic Castle, a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, and meals at any of the thousands of unique eateries sprinkled all over town. And, hopefully, Nude Art LA would be hosting one of its pop-up events that week so they could have a truly extraordinary experience they would never forget!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The artists and performers who make Nude Art LA possible. We literally could not have a show without them, and we have been blessed to connect with some incredible painters, sculptors, burlesque dancers, body painters, photographers, pole aerialists, fashion designers, musicians, and others. And, of course, the awesome people who get what we’re doing, buy a ticket, and enjoy the one-of-a-kind experience they get at our events!

Website: Nudeartla.com
Instagram: @nudeartla
Twitter: @nudeartla
Facebook: @noodartla

Image Credits
Steve Brill, Christopher Wallace, Laura Desiree

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.