Black and white nude
In this piece of black and white nude art photography, two legs and a strategically placed hand are all that are visible of a nude female body. The classic black and white nude photography treatment has a lightly erotic flourish. Her legs are raised vertically, crossed at the ankles. Attention is focused on her perfectly manicured nails. Her thighs squeeze the edges of her fingers and this dimensionality results in shadowing. The soles of her feet face the viewer and all ten toes are visible to some degree. From this angle of view, her upper body, head, and arms are hidden behind her hips. With much of the body omitted, the mood is enigmatic.
Composition
The negative space grows darker near her feet at the top of the image, though it’s still far from black. Cool tones pervade but give way to hints of warmth in this otherwise monochromatic composition. There is a sense of peace, equilibrium, and thinly veiled eroticism. If any small detail were altered, the balanced atmosphere of the image would be dramatically shifted.
The overall tonal contrast of the photograph is low. However, the figure stands out starkly in the expanse of flat gray negative space. Slight shadows and highlights form a halo effect around the contours of the body.
Black and white nude art photography
In the realm of black and white nude art photography, the female body plays a central role. In this case, the chosen presentation is provocatively erotic without being explicit; shocking without being scandalous. Although the central element is eroticism, the most erotic parts of the anatomy are concealed. At the dimensions that this artwork is produced, the figure is about two-thirds of life-size, creating an impactful presentation of sensual art photography.
Symbolism
The legs form a teardrop or pear shape, with her hand covering the metaphorical seeds of the fruit. In Chinese mythology, the pear tree is symbolic for immortal life, as is a woman, who creates life. This artwork brings to mind the dual nature of the female form as both sensual and as the origin of life.
Collections
One photograph from this edition is owned by a major Hollywood (horror genre) film director/writer/editor.
