Stefano Nicolini
2009
The Fading
[Swimming Pools (Piscine)]

Colour slide 35 mm, printed on Hahnemuehle Baryta paper
70 x 70 cm
 
Provided by the artist - Stefano Nicolini
This photograph with a square format is dedicated to a synchronized swimming athlete. My attention was drawn by the bursting grace which characterized her coming out of the water, as that of her colleagues. Therefore, I tried to photograph her in the highest poetical moment of all: her first deep breath, a love song to the liquid world which has received her, and in which she is getting ready to dissolve again. Her hair tightly pulled back, her straight and proud poise make her look like an opera singer portrayed in the moment of greatest effort. The less vivid tones of the water and of the bathing suit are more suitable for this solemn and classical scene.
 
The composition of the photograph highlights the right proportions of the athlete within the square of the image: she is big enough to draw attention and she is surrounded by the liquid element which she interacts with. Slightly moved to the right in order to give more airiness to her shout of love.
 
Stefano Nicolini (July 2010)
 
LL/37559