Two women gleam against the saltmeadow of dark mud and cordgrass in this monochromatic art photograph. Their bodies mirror one another in complementary poses—each bent at the knees and propped upon a single arm.
Composition
The photograph is divided into horizontal bands, each region with its own tonal range and texture. The sky and water are similar in appearance, as the two brightest bands of tonality in the image. These two bright areas are separated by a dark wedge of land at the horizon. The lower portion of the image is dense with rich tones and occupies the majority of the space. This dark area surrounds the two women which emphasizes their lighter tonality. The foreground is unoccupied by people or vegetation, an unobstructed view that implies a familiarity with the subjects.
The subjects’ long hair has a texture that mimics that of the cordgrass. The mud is comparably smooth in texture, as are their bodies. Mud is visible on considerable portions of their skin.
Their focus is split between one another and their immediate surroundings. This is evident in their body language and angle of their heads. Their gaze is cast downward.
Inspiration and Theme
Female nudes in the landscape follow a history that includes not only photography but painting and drawing. Aesthetically, one can make comparisons between the lines and textures of the body with those of nature.
This image seeks to balance the landscape with the figures. They inhabit this zone, rather than dominate it or employ it as a mere backdrop. Compare this to another black and white nude depicting this scene. It is available in a slightly smaller size, with a tightly-cropped emphasis on the figures.
This is a limited edition of five archival photographs, plus one artist’s proof.
