Guy Bourdin
1928 - 1991Mains sur le corps, 1969
Vintage Silver Gelatin Print
23 x 29 cm
'Mains sur le corps' is one of the most sensually provocative photographs by Guy Bourdin, whose ability 'to shock' the sleeping emotions or thoughts through his mysterious images has earned...
"Mains sur le corps" is one of the most sensually provocative photographs by Guy Bourdin, whose ability "to shock" the sleeping emotions or thoughts through his mysterious images has earned him a unique place in the art of photography.
The tension between the two hands and two breast is so vivid that the image seems to come alive the longer the viewer looks at it. The hands seem to be charging the body with erotic tension; a desire that is concentrated in the breasts, arousing the nipples. This is where the interaction is fully transmitted to the eye of the viewer who gets the impression that without immediate release the breasts will erupt.
Finally, "Mains sur le corps" draws attention to the empty space between the hands and under the breasts. This space is transformed into the site of phantasy, or even "pornotophia" where further action is expected and purposed. Thus the eventuality and immediacy of intercourse is implied by Bourdin, who manipulates the picture-plane with his unconventional perspective.
© Cigdem Mirol
The tension between the two hands and two breast is so vivid that the image seems to come alive the longer the viewer looks at it. The hands seem to be charging the body with erotic tension; a desire that is concentrated in the breasts, arousing the nipples. This is where the interaction is fully transmitted to the eye of the viewer who gets the impression that without immediate release the breasts will erupt.
Finally, "Mains sur le corps" draws attention to the empty space between the hands and under the breasts. This space is transformed into the site of phantasy, or even "pornotophia" where further action is expected and purposed. Thus the eventuality and immediacy of intercourse is implied by Bourdin, who manipulates the picture-plane with his unconventional perspective.
© Cigdem Mirol