Koika ‘Miserere’ by Slastyonoff

Slastyonoff’s most recent efforts amount to no less than photographic poetry. The dreamy eroticism of Koika is more than commensurate to the talent he wields.

‘Miserere‘ is an evocative title. The word is Latin for ‘mercy’, but after viewing this series, you may well find that you’d have been able to guess the translation without help. By the time you’ll get to the end, you’ll either be grateful to the photographer for so mercifully introducing you to this stunning Russian beauty, or you’ll be imagining yourself in the gorgeous creature’s gentle hands, begging for mercy as you’re cast under her spell. For Koika, it seems, is more than capable of powers beyond the ordinary realm of things.

This series is powerful in its simplicity. Broken over a black leather couch, Koika lies, her soft skin and fair colors the perfect complement to the deep lilacs against which she’s shot. She’s wearing only a black scrap of fabric – a skirt, perhaps? A half-way torn dress? – that cuts her slender frame in two. The rest of her is naked. Slastyonoff’s camera knows how captivating his subject is: from the very beginning, you’re treated to close-up shots that will render you breathless. Even from inches away, Koika’s body is perfect.

But what is this talk of mercy? What does the title refer to? Is the unfolding of the photographs an act of boundless compassion? Is the ability to view Koika’s incredible body a gift? This is certainly a compelling idea. She is nothing if not a rare find. Koika’s blond hair falls into cascading silky ringlets naturally: the gentle drift of these strands across the shiny leather couch is a miracle to behold. The shorn slickness of her uncovered skin defies description. Who wouldn’t gasp a breath of thankful appreciation at such a vision? Who would deny the charity she’s displayed in allowing a viewing of her naked self?

But then, she could also be cruel. This erotic display leads you so close, and yet you are still under her power. What will she allow? What will she withhold? What will she request from you before you’re allowed more? Will you be kneeling before her, or she before you? And does it matter?
You’ll probably agree it doesn’t. The mere sight of her firm body, splayed for the camera, is more than enough. Whether Koika is the most merciful of models, or the one who’ll have you begging for mercy, is up to you to decide. The pictures, though, should help.