- Steven Edson
- Swimming Pool in Red, White and Blue., 1985
- Archival pigment print
- 20 x 30 x 0.1 in (50.8 x 76.2 x 0.25 cm)
- Framed: 28 x 38 x 1 in (71.12 x 96.52 x 2.54 cm)
- Signature: Hand signed lower right hand corner. Number of edition on lower left hand corner.
This photograph presents an intriguing subject: a red metallic pool ladder submerged in a body of water, casting distorted, wavy red reflections on the water's surface. The light blue hue of the water contrasts with the vivid red of the ladder, which both complements and accentuates the subject. The ladder itself, partially emerging from the water, has its colors and lines warped by the liquid medium, creating an almost abstract quality in the patterns of light and shadow. The image captures the dance of light on the undulating water surface, articulated through brilliant sunlit patches and deeper blue shadows, resulting in a dynamic texture.
The strong visual elements in this work successfully command attention and inspire contemplation. The use of color and contrast is particularly striking; the red and blue create a vivid juxtaposition that is aesthetically pleasing while simultaneously evoking a sense of buoyancy and fluidity. The choice to focus on the abstraction formed by natural elements and man-made structures is a commendable approach that offers viewers a new perspective on ordinary objects.
The distortion of the ladder's image in the water deftly approaches themes of reality versus illusion, solidity versus fluidity, and the interplay of natural and artificial. This piece touches on the transformative power of water, not only in its physical presence but also in its capacity to alter perception. The simple act of capturing the refraction of light through water lends a dream-like quality to the photograph, providing depth and inviting reflection beyond the immediate visual appeal.
- Subject Matter: Places