This photograph has a lightly erotic flourish and a classic black and white treatment for a striking composition. Two bare legs, from feet to hips, plus a strategically placed hand are all that are visible of a feminine figure. 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 (blank region) grows darker near her feet, at the top of the image, though it’s still far from black. Her legs and hips form a teardrop shape. 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 palette
In this photograph, the light-toned female body plays a central role. The chosen presentation is provocatively erotic, yet without being explicit; arresting 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.
Collections
One photograph from this edition is owned by a major Hollywood (horror genre) film director/writer/editor. Additional collections are in Washington D.C. and the Pacific Northwest.
