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Otto Lohmuller is still alive and active as a figurative painter, sculptor, and book illustrator in Germany. Much of his work is still available to view online, free of charge, although I will not link it here. From what I understand, he had similar problems not long ago with European officials attempting to shut him down. Several years ago, I e-mailed Mr. Lohmuller and asked him his opinions regarding any controversy that his work may have caused. A very kind, gracious man, who recalled giving an exhibit of his nudes sometime in the mid 70s to the praise and approval of his models, parents, and critics. As we all know...how things have changed. This excerpt was available on his website at one time (fair use). Lohmuller on the subject of boy nudes: I distance myself completely from the American prudish and destructive moralist, who consider paintings of nude boys, as in this particular case, to be porno-graphic. But compliant, America-loving German organizations, who twist words, put the most distasteful and evil child abuse crimes into the same pot with inoffensive pictures of nude children, in order to manipulate notions of ‘Violence’ and ‘Pornography’. In this way they incite people. And the media with their love of sleazy headlines work along the same lines. The major difference between Otto and Bernard, from what I understand, is that Bernard's paintings are overtly and obviously sexual, whereas Mr. Lohmuller's are not. That, and Lohmuller is a far better artist. This may be why Bernard has little hope of winning. Regards, LL |