Michael Ezra is a photographer who works with the human form and is known for his sculptural nudes. Originally from Georgia, Ezra began working with photography in the late 90's. He is currently based in New York City.
Because of the mixture of delicate and powerhouse posing, I gravitate towards is his "Women Beautiful" collection. It features nude women posing in a variety of ways that are not sexually inviting or distasteful.
The artist statement for his collection is very moving and definitely sets a respectable tone:
"Women are most beautiful when they are not restrained by conventional clothing. This is not about sexuality; this is about the reflection. Nakedness is natural, it does not "feel like a second skin" - it is the first and the only skin itself. When naked, one has no image to pretend, no prescribed behavior to follow, there is just a sincerity of inner self, wide open to the world. In such moments a new intricate balance between mind and body is established. If yielded to hypocrisy and and pretense, it creates an imprint of dirt and ugliness. However, serenity and submission to a new equilibrium unlock those unique moments of beauty, which are similar to a crisp air of early morning, a faint murmur of a spring deep in the forrest, or a vibrant mist of a waterfall."
The mentioning of being at peace with the nude body and not having to present oneself as anything but themselves helps to develop my idea for a project. Although the photographs are moving and powerful, I would say that the description is just as powerful as a message to society.
By introducing myself to female sculptural nudes done by a male photographer, I feel that I can convey sensuality without heavy sexuality. The delicate balance is required, and Ezra has definitely achieved this balance with "Women Beautiful."
You can check out "Women Beautiful" and other works at http://www.michaelezra.com/frameset.html
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