Renaissance Man: Nadav Kander Rediscovers Nudes

Israeli photographer Nadav Kander is best known for his portraits - he has photographed famous athletes, Hollywood stars, politicians and even President Barack Obama (for TIME magazine).

However, in a time when “everything flows, everything changes,” Kander chose to turn to the nude genre, made according to the classical canons of the Renaissance. “In recent years, photographers have tended to stay away from nudity,” says Kander. “As a result, the process of shooting in nude style became almost nostalgic. I wanted to work with nudity in a new way.”

Depicting white figures against a jet-black background in his works, collected under the general title “Bodies: 6 women, 1 man,” the photographer searches for perfection in the imperfect, showing the human body with its flaws and vulnerabilities. The element of “truth” is central to Kander’s work. “I’m not trying to make art simple, relevant, or just fill a specific niche in the market,” he says. “I do things that inspire me.”

Audrey with her wrist and toes arched.

Michael curled up into a ball.

Audrey lies with her back turned on the black lace.

Michael, bent over, with a soft brush.

Stella on her elbows (relaxed).

Easley and two white mice.

Michael falls.