Kasia of the sea
Out of an extraordinary seaside photo shoot, one photo in particular stands out.
Kasia Smutniak leaps above the breaking surf, arms thrown behind her and a grin illuminating her face. In that moment, she looks as if she could fly... and simply by looking at the photo, we feel ourselves take flight as well.
For who has not experienced this childish joy of salty sea air, of sand beneath your toes?
Rarely is a photo shoot so filled with life and colour. Seemingly drawing inspiration from the ever-changing waves, the photographers and the Polish-born model have collaborated in a remarkable collection.
In the photos, the luminous Kasia takes on the many other faces of the sea. In one shot, her serene gaze and tousled waves echo the gentle ripples on the sesa's surface.
In another, dusk descends on the beach and Kasia's suddenly more serious expression reflects the coming night. As her rippling skirt blends in with the waves, the cameras capture this ethereal being as she seems to emerge from the sea.
We couldn't ask for a more tantalizing beginning to the Venice Film Festival. We will be seeing much more of this sea-nymph over the next ten days-- Kasia, a household name in Italy, will play host to the Biennale.
And we'll admit it: it is hopeless to protest otherwise. We are entwined, entangled and enchanted by this sea siren and the artists behind the lenses.
