This Singaporean has been drawn nude by thousands.

Key Concepts

• Live Modeling: The practice of posing nude or semi-nude for artists to draw or paint.
• Dynamic Pose: A pose that conveys movement or energy, often involving twisting or extending limbs.
• Contrapposto: An Italian term referring to a naturalistic stance in sculpture and painting, involving a slight shift in weight and a counter-positioning of the body.
• Vulnerability: The emotional exposure and discomfort experienced when posing nude in front of others.
• Pose Choreography: The mental process of planning and executing a series of poses, considering factors like duration, angles, and body positioning.

Introduction & Early Experiences

Kim Gen, a live model since 2000, shares his experiences and insights into the profession, emphasizing it’s more than simply removing clothes. He clarifies a common misconception: “Taking off clothes is so easy. They can straight. But a lot of those newbies, they cannot actually post. Technically, they don't know what it's all about.” Kim, now 63, initially entered live modeling due to financial need after being retrenched. His ex-girlfriend suggested it after reading about a teacher who modeled, highlighting the immediate cash payment as a motivator. His first experience was incredibly stressful, filled with self-consciousness and anxiety about the audience’s perception: “I could to take off my top pull down my pants… I was sweating the pressure is so so terrible.” He questioned if anyone present knew him, fearing social repercussions. Despite the initial discomfort, he prioritized the financial benefit, learning to normalize the experience unless directly questioned about it. He recounts participating in a Mr. Sen Manhan competition in 1999, noting he was the shortest contestant and felt out of place.

The Emotional and Psychological Aspects

Kim stresses the vulnerability inherent in live modeling: “When you are naked down there you feel so vulnerable sometime. Why? Because you don't know what people think of you.” He recounts a particularly hurtful incident early in his career where four women criticized his work, suggesting he find a “dishwashing job,” leaving him in tears. However, a fellow model intervened, asking for a change of topic and acknowledging the difficulty of the task. This highlights the importance of support and understanding within the modeling community. He emphasizes that live modeling is “not an easy task. It's a lot a lot of hard work,” extending beyond the physical act of posing to encompass significant mental preparation.

Developing a Modeling Style & Technique

Kim details the mental process involved in “pose choreography,” including assessing the space, understanding the overall structure, and planning the sequence of poses. He learned through experience, embracing the principle of “no pain no gain,” particularly during long poses. He describes a common long pose format: 20-25 minutes posing, followed by a 5-minute rest, repeated multiple times.

He showcases several of his signature poses, demonstrating a “dynamic pose” emphasizing leg visibility and torso twists, which he can hold for 5-10 minutes. Another signature pose involves twisting and extending an arm, also maintainable for 5-10 minutes. He notes his unique style is recognizable: “No other model pose like what I pose… everybody say, ‘Oh, that’s Kim.’” He often adopts a relaxed “lumpost” stance with both feet on the floor in a contrapposto position, inspired by Michelangelo, allowing him to stand for up to an hour.

Physical Endurance & Mental Strategies

Kim acknowledges the physical challenges of long poses, including pins and needles, pain, and eventual numbness. To cope, he employs mental distraction techniques like problem-solving and listening to music. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s own body and finding poses that suit individual anatomy: “You have to understand your own body because every models has got their own different set of poses which suit their bodies.”

Inclusivity & Encouragement

Kim actively challenges the notion that only certain body types are suitable for live modeling. He encourages inclusivity, stating, “Anybody can be life model… people draw any shape sizes, fat people, skinny people, pregnant.” He stresses that artists are interested in diverse textures and physiques, and that the key is having a “strong mind” to overcome self-consciousness. He directly addresses body image concerns, urging people not to be ashamed of their bodies.

Conclusion

Kim Gen’s account provides a nuanced and detailed look into the world of live modeling. He demonstrates that it’s a profession demanding not only physical endurance but also significant mental fortitude, self-awareness, and artistic sensibility. His experiences highlight the vulnerability, challenges, and ultimately, the empowering aspects of embracing one’s body and artistic expression. He emphasizes the importance of developing a unique style, understanding one’s physical limits, and fostering a supportive community. His message is ultimately one of inclusivity and encouragement, asserting that anyone with a strong mind can participate in this art form.