The Meaning of "Pin Up Girl"

[Dixon Cannon]

This is a good explanation...

"A definition of [the term] would be helpful here. A "pin-up" image is one that shows a full-length view of its subject and characteristically has an element of a theme or some kind of story. The woman in a pin-up is usually dressed in a form-revealing outfit, either one that can be worn in public, such as a bathing suit, sunsuit, or skimpy dress, or one that is more provocative and intimate, such as lingerie. Sometimes, a pin-up may be shown as a nude, but that is more the exception than the rule." - Charles G. Martignette, The Great American Pin Up Taschen Publishing, 1996

I read through the introductions to The Great American Pin Up and couldn't find a origin to the term, "Pin-up," but it seems to be limited to painted or drawn images, and disregards photography.


Lee
______________________

"An artist creates an image to inspire the mind. A writer insprires the mind to create an image."

I do think this is rather specific to the genre of Gibson, Petty, Vargas and, particularly Art Frahm. In the generic sense though, any "leg art" that is valued for it's 'M Appeal' and stuck to the wall for display is considered 'pin-up'. It is true - for the obvious reason.

-dixon cannon