Seeing through the image: art, dignity and responsibility

Within the artistic world, many have argued that a respect for dignity and human rights stems from debates concerning artistic freedom. However, when considering human rights and dignity, one must step out of conventional discussions and consider the recipients of the art to identify legal and ethical inequities concerning the contexts and subjects artistically expressed. This article argues that art imposes an obligation upon the viewers’ engagement where the embodiment of human forms are depicted. It argues for an ethic of responsibility.