Photography experiments with the female form is the subject in this interesting, whimsical art book, converting statues to living flesh and making statues of the models for the final image. LIVING NUDE STATUES does what it says: by means of digital wizardry the ladies are transformed and surroundings are added into which they fit like statuary.

Photographer George Arthur Lareau was less than satisfied with the general run of poses suggested by models. All over the world, beautiful statues have been created and each was posed by a model. So Lareau revisited the museums and photographed the statues he most admired, then asked twelve models in Phoenix, Arizona to recreate those poses. The ladies obliged and Lareau took images in front of a green screen. Next he asked Korina S Mitchell to digitally make the figures look like statues. Either stone or bronze effects were employed, then the background could be added - a garden, a room, a staircase, a fantasy setting.

I enjoy viewing statues and I feel that sculpture belongs out of doors where it is part of the living environment. Having visited Rodin's Home, the Louvre, the British Museum and Ireland's Decorative Arts Museum among others I did recognise some of the famous poses.

At first it was hard to adjust to viewing this book, as I am not used to seeing so much naked female flesh. However I did not find any picture objectionable and the ladies are celebrating their beauty and strength. As my vision adjusted to seeing a nude model on one page, posing, and on the next page a life-size statue, I enjoyed the inspirations behind each image and the background settings. My preference was for images where the model is interacting with the environment - stooping to scoop up a handful of water from a pool, climbing a stair, or sitting concisely in an alcove.

LIVING NUDE STATUES at coffee-table size will make a big impact, and is an enjoyable exploration of art from the past mixed with techniques from today. George Arthur Lareau has acted on his inspiration to create a remarkable, beautiful and mischievous book.