Black and White Nude Photograph
In this black and white nude photograph, two nude women lounge at the edge of a swimming pool. One reclines on her back, obscuring our view of most of her anatomy. The other kneels on a wrinkled fabric, and scoops and handful of water to cool her partner’s recumbent body.
Diagonal lines dominate the composition, converging towards a perspective vanishing point that is out of frame. The swimming pool is black and glistens like a bizarre oil slick. A row of vegetation bookends the subjects between two dark rows of texture. The bright wedge that the nude women inhabit has the light textures of brushed concrete and rumpled terry cloth.
Dense shadows convey that it is midday and the sun is beating down. Perspiration beads on the back of the kneeling woman as she attends to her reclining companion. The chain of her necklace drapes between her shoulder blades. There is a familiarity between the two; an unspoken communication.
Although the fronts of their nude bodies are hidden, this piece contains an undeniable sensuality. The position of the kneeling figure contributes strongly to this. The closeness of the two unclad women emphasizes that physical allure is part of the motif. The design is suggestive, while leaving the details to the imagination.
The playful style of this black and white nude photograph may be influenced by both the styles of Slim Aarons and Helmut Newton, in that playful candor blunts its sensuality. This image mixes a flirtatious mood with a thoughtful visual presentation.
The bold shapes and tones of this black and white nude photograph make for a striking visual statement at an ample size. The understated yet obvious sensuality radiates cheer at generous proportions.
