There is something in the pools that attracts us irretrievably. It’s complicated to understand what in particular, maybe it’s the deep blue of the tiles, maybe it’s the flat calm of the surface, maybe it’s the water that’s always colder than we think. But behind this patina of perfection, there are also less magical and almost frightening sides. Photographer Natalie Christensen describes this dual personality of swimming pools in her series “Last night I dreamt I knew how to swim“. 

Her passion for photography found Natalie Christensen almost by chance when she was a psychotherapist and had to move from Kentucky to New Mexico. Here she was immediately struck by the different light, warm and enveloping, which played with the colors and shapes of the buildings, creating fascinating contrasts between light and shadow. So she began to photograph, letting herself be captured by the structures, architecture and swimming pools.  

The latter, in particular, are linked to the personal experiences of Natalie Christensen who, presenting the photos, recounts her first encounter with a swimming pool, falling into it without knowing how to swim, but also how with time, following her father’s movements, the pools began to represent her father’s business trends. 

The pictures of “Last night I dreamt I knew how to swim” show us exactly what Natalie tells us, that these places are certainly fascinating, seductive and aesthetically beautiful, but sometimes their perfect flat surface hides the changes ready to turn life upside down. 

There was a comfort in the stillness of its waters, albeit a calm that couldn’t be trusted.

To discover all the works of Natalie Christensen visit her website and her Instagram profile.