Body is the god-given vessel, and it is also the reflection of soul.  It gives us a sense of belonging, but also limiting us. It is emitting the godly fire, but also given the evilly desire.  On the one hand, it transcends beyond boundaries; on the other hand, it went downhill into the abyss.  Both uncooperative and contradictory properties within one body are what separates human from other species which are unique and beautiful.

Artists recognize the contradiction and paints bodies in variety of ways: realistic, deform, complete or fragment. In which, they use the human body to illustrate the inner being.

In the Eastern and Western art, different understanding of human body has led to different development of form. Even in the East, different part of the region has shown diversity of creativities, which are molded by culture, history, and geography.  One thing in common is that body in art is mostly used as a metaphor for the inner soul; it is cautious and calm, sensitive and egotistic, superficial and honest. Although they represent figures, they are also beyond figures, which is a beauty beyond skin deep.