The Spring of Escapism

Willy Ronis strikes the viewer with the composition of "Nu au Chiffon". He captures a relationship of inter-emphasis between the silky background, the white silky ribbon and the silk-like texture of the female human body.

The silky background underlines a sensuality that carries the whole image just as the sea carries an elegant vessel. Through its milky color and soft posture, the silky ribbon evokes a playful curiosity. Thanks to these two textures what is covered becomes seductive in a romantic but not erotic way. Thus, one is caught by the whole image and pulled into its centre: the black hairy spot that takes them on a phantasy voyage.

The expression of desire in the smooth vitality of the nude, a quintessentially Ronian drive, is revealed in "Nu au Chiffon". Ronis's vision once again reframes the mundane and even banal perception of all the references of the elements of this photograph, and the outcome is an unusual, intransigent and indeed uncompromising point of view.

© Cigdem Mirol