A new exhibition in Paris that opened last night is a playful and celebratory approach to the subject of pubic hair, especially women, that is central to Motherland and sorely missing from most cultural discussions. In a series of images, the models’ pubic hair is braided, dyed and styled in a dazzling way. They include cotton candy-colored pubic hair tied into twin tails, pubic hair shaped into flames, and rhinestone Marie from “The Aristocats.” They are bold images, but always fun and done with a sense of humor rather than making the women the butt of the joke. For many, it’s an outright abomination.
“In German, pubic hair is still called shamhare, which means pubic hair,” says photographer Gwen Fiore, hairstylist Yumiko Hikage, and creative director Nastia Krychkova. says Lynskey, a make-up artist who collaborated on the shoot. “The vagina (the image and the word itself) has been taboo for most of human history. Through these images, we hope to contribute to breaking down this stigma.”
Creative direction Nasty Klychkova, hair Yumiko, makeup Lynski photography Guen Fiore
The all-female team of artists are friends and creative collaborators, creating an environment of camaraderie and trust that fosters a “female gaze” on set. Through this gaze, the body is depicted with gentle honesty, intimacy without being overly sexual, strong yet vulnerable. “Central to the homeland is the female gaze, a lens of empathy, understanding, and solidarity,” Alessia Graviano writes in an essay accompanying the exhibition. “Bell hooks emphasized the importance of community and sisterhood in challenging social norms and empowering women, an idea that deeply influenced the collaborative spirit and thematic depth of the Motherland.” is.”
This sense of sisterhood was evident on set, with Krychkova, the creative director and one of the models, saying she felt like they had become one living entity during the experience. “It didn’t matter if someone was naked. There was no shame,” Lynskey says. “It was a very supportive environment and it felt like the best experience ever.”
While intimate hairstyles are likely what first captures a viewer’s attention, ultimately they are a means of conveying a model’s identity, allowing women to express their own personal expression and empowerment. It’s just a way to get your body back. The creative team chose hairstyles to match each model’s personality and “incredibly strong character,” Lynskey said. She and Hikage worked closely to create the look, including braiding blonde pubic hair and adding roses to the tips of model Sasha’s hair.
Creative direction Nasty Klychkova, hair Yumiko, makeup Lynski photography Guen Fiore
“I think it really shows how Yumiko and I had this great working relationship and decided together what looked best,” Lynskey says. “Everyone in the room cheered and fell in love with it when the look was finished because we all had such a beautiful time. It was great to create something that felt so fresh and important. It felt great to be able to do it.”
Ultimately, Motherland is a profound reflection on the female experience, and is positioned as a statement about coming to terms with one’s body in its complexities, which are not always easy. “Our bodies can be our allies and support us, but many of us have to go through trials and pains before coming into alignment,” Lynskey says. “Pubic hair is a symbol of maturity and self-acceptance. With its appearance, the formation of an adult body usually begins, and a long process of understanding it, accepting it and building a relationship with it. For many people, this This exhibition is about the processes and relationships between mind and body.
Motherland is on display at Galerie John Ferrere, rue Dauphine 18, 74006 Paris. Open today through September 30th. Click here for more information.
