Untitled (photograph of Gittings photo: "Nude in Braids") c. 1970

This gelatin silver print of a photograph, "Nude in Braids," was made by Paul Gittings, though the date is not known. The almost-sepia palette gives this an antique feel, even though the photo itself is quite modern for its time. The texture of the print is smooth, almost creamy, which is interesting. It feels soft but gives a real sense of the person in the image. The pose is striking because the figure extends its arms. Look at the light on her right arm. It is this particular detail, this slight twist and the way the light hits it, that makes this image so fascinating. This piece echoes some of the more famous nudes by Man Ray, who also played with light and shadow to create sensual and intimate portraits. Art is an ongoing experiment with new ideas that keep the conversation going.