The artwork titled “Bathing Feature, Vogue Studio, 1941” is a surrealist photograph created by Lee Miller in 1941. Known for her contributions to surrealism through her exceptional photography, Miller captures a striking and avant-garde image that combines elements of high fashion and surrealism. In the monochromatic photograph, a woman is depicted standing against a plain backdrop, donned in a striped swimsuit paired with a pair of goggles, embodying a playful yet enigmatic aura. She holds an inflatable fish nearly her own height, which adds a whimsical and unexpected element to the otherwise straightforward composition.
The black-and-white tonality of the image accentuates the contrast and depth, while the stark simplicity of the background highlights the peculiar juxtaposition of the figure and her aquatic companion. Miller’s playful approach is underscored by the woman’s confident posture and the surreal inclusion of the fish, creating an intriguing tension between reality and fantasy. This photograph exemplifies the surrealist art movement’s penchant for subverting ordinary contexts to evoke deeper, often subconscious, meanings.
