Gallery: Irina K ‘Bregdet’
Irina K ‘Bregdet‘ by Ivan Harrin
The term “nude beach” calls to mind sun-kissed bodies, the warmth of the sea and sand, and a sense of freedom both personal and sexual. In the Met Art erotic photo gallery titled “Bregdet” we have a nude girl, and we have a beach, the sun is shining and the sky is blue, but there is a chill in the air and the wind gusts and buffets the model and reddens the tip of her nose. A beautiful fall or early winter day, yes, but perhaps not exactly ideal for nude, erotic photography.
To her credit, Irina K performs like a complete professional throughout the gallery. To my eyes she absolutely looks like she’s cold, but she never once indicates or signals that she’s chilly. And considering the fact that a chunky bracelet is her sole piece of “clothing” for the entire set, that’s quite a performance.
Ivan Harrin places his subject in three distinct zones on this desolate and windswept stretch of pebble-strewn shoreline. Initially Irina strolls and lolls down at the water’s edge. Perhaps my favorite shot from this group is #002 as Irina walks along, both hands in her hair, eyes averted. Next Irina moves to a white towel on soft sand backed by a grassy thicket. These are the “warmest” shots in the collection, both in terms of ambient temperature and in explicitness. For the conclusion of “Bregdet” Irina moves to the top of the bluffs overlooking her two previous locations. The natural beauty and drama of the setting makes a fine backdrop in a shot like #108, but the sense of chill is very nearly palpable. I can easily imagine Irina K, bundled up and in the car after the shoot turning to the photographer and suggesting, politely, that their next session together be in the cozy confines of a well-heated studio.
