Propulsion Diptych #4, Two 20x30 inch inkjet archival prints. Digital scans from 35mm film. Title left: Three moon jellies (Auerlia labiata) touching, 2024 Title right: Dancer in ghostly blue light at Polemasters Playhouse in West Hollywood, 2024
Propulsion Diptych #2, Two 20x30 inch inkjet archival prints. Digital scans from 35mm film. Left image: Dancer in cyan light (Shimmey) at Polemasters Playhouse in West Hollywood, 2024 Right image: Pacific sea nettle (Chrysaora fuscescens), yellow bell against blue-green background, 2024
Propulsion (2025 in-progress)
Photographer Elizabeth Waterman, whose bold, cinematic style has gained attention for humanizing and elevating overlooked subcultures, has a new work in progress that blends jellyfish and exotic dancers. The project, called “Propulsion,” offers a compelling visual exploration that places two seemingly disparate worlds — jellyfish and exotic pole dancers — into a single, striking narrative. Shot entirely on analog film, with all effects done in-camera, “Propulsion” presents diptychs that pair the ethereal movement of jellyfish with the raw, expressive power of pole dancers.
She says: “This project juxtaposes the motions of ancient creatures, jellyfish, in their aquatic domain with the dynamic, sensual artistry of pole dancers in motion. Both represent distinct yet parallel realms of propulsion: one driven by the innate rhythm of the ocean, the other by the raw power and agility of the human body.”
