Belinda A ‘Neired‘ by Platon Averin
A relative newcomer to the Met Art talent roster — he made his first contribution to the site in September of this year — Platon Averin is also one of the few artists here who only works in video. He first came to my attention when guest blogger hipshot13 reviewed Averin’s MetArt debut, and I enjoyed the Averin creation I reviewed shortly thereafter. Even so, I find his latest effort somewhat puzzling.
There’s no question that Platon Averin has a style of his own and the technical skills to put that style on the screen. “Nereid” is certainly stylish, but I wonder if it isn’t a bit too languid in its pacing and a too limited in its scope. There was the slightest hint of a story to the first Averin-directed film I saw, but there isn’t a shred of narrative or even the merest suggestion of a story here, it’s just pretty moving images of a pretty girl.
Wearing pink platform sandals and a pink knit dress, Belinda A stands in the middle of a long stretch of two lane road posing and playing seductively to the camera. A low stone wall runs along the road and she does some posing there, as well, and behind her there’s a large body of water, a lake perhaps. Bit by bit she reveals herself — she’s a tease, yes, but she doesn’t hold back on some fairly explicit views.
The dress doesn’t come completely off until around the five minute mark, and by this point Belinda A has moved down to the long, paved ramp leading to the water’s edge. Posing continues, and Belinda displays not only an appealing body but plenty of seductive charm, as well. But I still feel that something is missing, some spark of energy, a jolt of unexpected drama or suggestive mystery — just something more.
The model herself and the style and imagery of “Nereid” are all pleasing and pleasant, but I have to ask if too much subtlety is a weakness and if overdone understatement is a flaw. This film isn’t at all like a hit song you can’t get out of your head, it’s more like background music for the eyes, enjoyable enough, but not particularly memorable.
Her Profile: Belinda A
Art Nude Models: Met Art information.
