The Sunbather

In this drawing, a young woman is sunbathing in the shallow waters of Freshwater Beach, Sydney, and is inspired by Max Dupain’s iconic black and white photograph The Sunbaker. To echo the striking effect of Dupain’s work, Edward aimed to harness the strength of natural sunlight, emphasizing the deep shadows cast around the figure. This approach enabled him to transform the images into monochromatic compositions, which in turn sparked his exploration of charcoal and ink as drawing mediums. In this piece, the subject reclines with her hair gently dipping into the ocean, her head gradually tilting toward the sun. The captured moment evokes a sense of calm and renewal, portraying her in a peaceful, blissful connection with the sea.

Model: Kathryn Dixon