Art Models Advocate for Fair Wages and Acknowledgment

**Aaron Bogan: A Portrait of the Life Painting Model**

**Introduction**
Aaron Bogan, a renowned art model and illustrator, has been carving out a niche in New York City’s vibrant art scene. Originally from New Jersey, Bogan made a bold move from the Bay Area to the Big Apple last year, driven by the allure of the city’s “abundant” modeling opportunities. Over the past two decades, Bogan has built a reputation as a dedicated life drawing model, a role that demands both physical stamina and mental resilience.

**A Profession Underappreciated**
Bogan likens figure models to “blue-collar workers of the arts,” highlighting the underappreciated labor they perform. Despite the physically grueling nature of the job, involving hours of holding challenging poses, models often go unnoticed. Bogan’s experiences underscore the significant yet overlooked contribution models make to the arts.

**Economic Disparities Between Coasts**
While in California, Bogan was part of the Bay Area Models Guild, known for advocating a $50 hourly wage for models. This contrasts sharply with New York, where Bogan, despite an increased workload, earns only $22 per hour. The financial strain of surviving on this wage is accentuated by long working hours, as Bogan models six to seven days a week.

**Health and Safety Concerns**
The occupational hazards of modeling are not just economic. Bogan recounts developing a painful leg ulcer from prolonged standing poses, necessitating an emergency room visit. Yet, his commitment to the craft saw him return to work immediately after treatment, shedding light on the personal sacrifices models often make.

**A Call for Change**
Art models nationwide are voicing their concerns about labor conditions. Anna Veedra, through The Model Tea Project, is championing fairer wages and improved working environments. The Art Students League, where up to 90 models are contracted, is under scrutiny for its current pay rates and conditions.

**The Historical Context**
Historically, models once held esteemed positions in the art world, equal to art professors, as noted by NYU Associate Professor Emmelyn Butterfield-Rosen. This respect has eroded over time, leaving today’s models fighting for basic recognition and fair compensation.

**Voices of Experience**
Models like Crystal Durant and Robin Hoskins reveal a plethora of challenges—from racial biases to the struggle for a living wage. Despite these, models maintain their dedication, driven by a love for art and the intrinsic value of their work.

**Conclusion**
Aaron Bogan’s journey from New Jersey to New York City highlights both the merits and challenges of being a professional art model. As calls for change grow louder, the hope is for improved recognition and conditions for models who play a pivotal role in the arts. In the vibrant art hubs of America, the work and lives of art models like Bogan continue to inspire, embodying resilience and creativity amidst adversity.