Description

In this underwater nude photograph, a stream of bubbles rise from a woman’s hands as her face peeks above the surface. Hints of a face are barely discernible through the reflections. Brilliant pink and copper are mirrored above her torso and her body is surrounded by a deep turquoise. The composition is divided into a tranquil lower portion of negative space and an active portion full of color and energy.

Her arms thrust downward while one foot extends towards the surface. Her toes point in opposite directions, each extending the line of it’s respective calf. Her ribs, knee, and torso are all delicately defined by warm tones that contrast with the calm aquamarine backdrop.

The character of this photograph is distinguished by the mottled, grainy texture that build its colors. The texture is reminiscent of high-speed film from traditional photography.

In an underwater nude photograph where the surface is visible from a submerged vantage point we see two worlds and the barrier between them. Although there is no wall between air and water, the mirror-like surface when viewed from below, turns the underwater world into an isolated space. From our point of view, we see only the swimmer and her reflection; what she has access to see is left to our imagination.