basil_pope

I can't figure out what would be controversial either.

Frankly, the principle source of "controversy" in contemporary, so-called "fine art" references to almost any Christian theme centers either in the imagination of the artist or in the deliberate - and infantile - effort to scandalize. In my experience, the average contemporary "artiste" is far too immature and devoid of spiritual depth to handle a theme such as the crucifixion - or anthing else of a religious nature.

This image, however, is excellent. I create imagery for use in the Christian liturgy (worship) for a living and this is easily one of my favorite treatments of the crucifixion theme by any photographer. There is a sublime quality to the digital manipulation that erases none of the humanity of the figure, and even brings that humanity to the fore (no pun intended). There is also an emotional depth and power which is achieved without reference to the figure's face or hands. This is remarkable since the face and hands are traditionally of central importance in crucifixion imagery. There is also a "clean-ness" to the figure which avoids the more salacious aspects of the over-sentimentalized violence in Western crucifixion imagery since the 10th century, yet there is an empathetic character which evokes pathos.

Well done!

Basil

I grew up with guns. I got my first one when I was 7. My parents had at least 6 at one time. Virtually everyone I knew had as many. Guns were so routine that having one or three in the car at school was no big deal. One guy even brought his new shotgun to show-n-tell (3rd grade) and the only thing the nuns said was no "ammunition."

No one shot anyone. No one thought of shooting anyone.

Gun violence is concentrated in that segment of the population that has been dehumanized by oppression, poverty and despair. Nothing will stop a deranged or desperate individual from killing, either with a gun, a knife, a car or a passenger jet. Gun laws are a bandaid on the sliced artery of social rot.

This image is really great as is the title. I like the Bridezilla idea too, and her being naked works with the bridezilla theme. I've photographed a couple of weddings where the bride used her "appeal" to manipulate and dominate everyone.

Besides. Gun = power. Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.

rrrrrrahr!

Basil (well armed, well defended, well)

The skin marks are a reference to the Flagellantes - a Medieval group who would parade thru the streets stripped to the waist whipping themselves with corded ropes. It was one of several forms of Medieval penitential practices which seem rather bizarre to contemporary sensibilities, just as many of our behaviours would/will seem bizarre to other times and cultures.

The practice was also part of the penitential discipline of several monastic and other Christian religious orders and is still used in some Christian cultures today. Flagellantism is not limited to Christianity, however, but the Christian form is most famous and most popular for ridicule.

I'm not entirely certain how St. Nicholas fits in other than that was the only ikon the photographer had present.

Of course, an alternate view of this image could be found in the Legend of St. Nicholas. In the "Legend" Nicholas (a bishop) provided a dowery for three daughters of an impoverished tradesman who was planning to sell the girls into prostitution. Thus, the "abused" nude figure looks toward the saint for aid.

I doubt that was the photographer's intent, but if it were it would be really ingenius. I'll bet he was attempting the classic rag on flagellantism - but he did it in a pretty visually interesting fashion.

Basil

As always, Jim your work is excellent. For me, however, I like the pose, etc. of the girl in front and think the other model is a distraction. Her head and neck make her look strained, which distracts from the dancer-like grace of the other's pose.

The dynamics of the other images in this series are pretty nice. I just like the way the front model looks by herself.

B.

It is an absolutely spectacular photo!

Its just that the sillouette reminds me of the one eyed character from the CGI movie "Monsters Inc."

And I just can't get that out of my head.

Basil

beautiful image - but I think you accidentally put it in the wrong category. Bet a lot of people watching the "Nature" category would love to see this!

Good work - did you use an orange filter to enhance the colors?

Basil

Its a beautiful, classy image of a beautiful woman.

Wierd doofishness not withstanding (there is nothing unhealthy or dangerous about this image).

My only quibble would be the index finger on her left hand: IMO it would look better extended.

Keep up the good work!

Basil

the attempt at explanation is more distracting to me than anything in the photo per se. As a documentary piece, I think its solid, although more of a random snapshot than anything artistic or memorable.

Reference to why you put it in nudes I find a bit confusing. The obvious reason would be the poster. The breast shirt is comical, but a hair hard to "read." The woman's tounge drove me nuts (no pun intended) mostly because I couldn't tell why it would earn it a place in "nudes." Originally, I thought maybe she had some sort of erotic stud or vibrator on her tounge, but it looks like she's just licking her lips absent-mindedly. . .

To me, the "interesting" bit of the image is the almost complete complacent distraction of the people in contrast to the attempt of the poster girl to engage them in gleeful eroticism. The numbing impact of advertising and commercialization, etc.

I do agree that some of your other photos have more dynamism and journalistic impact. The red lighting idea works, but its not overt.

Have to admit, I didn't see the cup until it was mentioned and I had to look close.

B.S.

Another great image! I still like the other one better (more dramatic/dynamic) but this is very nicely done. The oil on the body gives it a good effect as well.

Basil

Exceptional grace, form, balance! This is an exceptional image.

Beautiful.

Basil

Its a beautiful image, just no fear.

She looks like she's listening to the birds, which makes a better photo than the whole pseudo-fear thing.

What an amazing model as well.

Beautiful

Basil

intense! powerful texture and form - light and contrast.

nice!

B.

strong, atheletic, excellent. I wonder how it would be if she were face up looking toward/past the wrench. . . strong "socialist worker paradise" type image - something I very much like.

Pax

Basil

Frankfurt Flughafen definitely feels like this - but I still love it. Its my favorite part of Frankfurt.

Cool photo.

Basil

I think I know this lake but by a different name - what is it in German?

Its covered with what Americans call duck weed in this photo, right?

Sehr shoen!

Basil

I actually thought it was a real figure until I looked more closely and noticed your subtitle (A Dummy). Was wondering how you achieved the skin tone - now I know: it looks plastic because it IS plastic!

Really well done! Surprising how sensual a manikin can be made to appear.

B

Ich muss zwar Dresden nochmal besichtigen!

Sehr schoen.

B.

I see an alternate nuance. Typically, it is the artist who present themselves in person and through their work in a gallery opening. The subversion here is that it is the model who is (deservedly) front and center taking center stage from the "artist." Nicely done both of you!

I could go either way with the knee crop. The picture on the left is very classic and really gives the impression of being in a gallery, crop and all. The one on the right might be more effective/subtle if the whole figure were shown. Initially, I thought reversing it to loose the second face would be better, but upon reflection, seeing the face reveals the identity of the model in the gallery images - thus making the real impact of the whole. Without seeing her face in one of the images, it would be little more than a voyeur shot in an exhibition.

hmmm - exhibitionism at the exhibition. That works too.

On a purely personal note to the model/student: where were the Art majors like you when I was in school?

Seriously - this is pretty good.

Basil

Being something of a Dali freak this is pure delight. The living room furnishings actually enhance the Dalinian effect of the piece far more than if they were not there.

And the model is clearly stunning. . .

Two moustache tails up!

Basil (who seriously wonders how you did that)

Stunning! Absolutely excellent aesthetically, erotically, and technically.

B

lighting and contrast seem to have a lot to do with it. The first time I experimented with photographing water on a nude, I made the mistake of using a white background and lighting geared more toward portraiture. Needless to say, results were less than satisfactory.

I'm no expert, but I have found that the droplets need to be able to refract and reflect light, which sometimes takes a delicate balance and a second source. . . sharp focus and good contrast (but not too much) also seem to help.

And yes, maybe a little more glycerine. I used olive oil once to good effect.

I look forward to learning from other's comments on this.

B

gorgeous! Great lighting, tone, texture and pose. Breathtaking model and one worth working with further. Very sculptural and beautifully proportioned figure.

Nice work!

b

Reminds me a little of H.R.Geiger's paintings - which is a good thing.

Actually, some of your other work is closer to Geiger's mecho-organic imagery.

Would actually rather enjoy seeing your efforts along that line.

I don't know which I like more: your photography, or your skill in painting the body.

Unique as always!

B

I don't find it creepy, but rather fascinating. Particularly, why are all these skulls here?

Nice image!

B

the perspective makes the right thigh look huge and the hot-spot kind of detracts, but otherwise pretty nice. Its hard (at least in my experience) to get a well balanced exposure with this type of lighting arrangement. I used to dodge the prints a lot when I did darkroom work, but with digital . . . well, its just not the same.

But we all learn.

keep it up!

B