Evaluating a new model’s debut appearance at Met Art is one of the (many) highlights of my position. I do have my favorites among the established models, of course, and I always look forward to seeing new work from them. And I also enjoy those times when I first “discover” an established model, as was recently the case with Nensi B in “Uginta.”
But there’s something uniquely special about seeing a new girl in her first gallery. And Tayla, the star of “Presenting,” is certainly special. She’s got a beautiful body, a warm, sweet on-camera personality, and she doesn’t hold back. Tayla seems completely at ease and comfortable even when the camera is in quite close, as it often is, capturing her most intimate anatomical details.
Now, the artist, Alex Iskan, has made some slightly curious choices with “Presenting.” The room is white — floors, walls, ceiling, furniture, the harp (yes, the harp) and even the chandelier is painted a shade of stark white. The floor to ceiling drapes and a sofa in the background, however, are in a vivid shade of teal blue. The color scheme is striking, to be sure.
But he’s dressed his beautiful young subject in scarlet tap pants and a black fabric and lace top trimmed in more red. Against the stark white with teal accents the outfit doesn’t harmonize with the setting. Indeed, as the costume gradually comes off, the set gains clarity and reaches its artistic pinnacle when Tayla is totally nude and the set design works as designed to flatter and enhance the model. There’s one shot that earned a chuckle: Tayla stands, holding those red shorts at mid-thigh, pretending to remove them. Her head is tilted to one side and the expression on her face seems to say, “Can I take these off now, please?”
Once she’s nude, as mentioned, Iskan takes care to capture everything Tayla has to offer. In #025 her breasts are beautifully presented. In #060 we find one of a generous assortment of intimate close-ups. In #098 Tayla strikes a stylized and explicit pose. Artist and model create a glamorous, stylish, pin-up in #108 with Tayla’s long hair spread out on the floor around her pretty face.
My two absolute favorites in “Presenting” are #082, a bold and explicit shot made all the more powerful by the spontaneous smile gracing Tayla’s lips, and #109 a beautiful, headshot that does justice to this newcomer’s beguiling blue eyes and her engaging, warm personality.
Art Nude Models: Met Art information.
