We can trace sexual motifs in folk culture and folk costumes from ancient times, for example the way costumes are designed – giant skirts, narrow waists, high shoes, bright colours. This is no longer known today, but for example, the colours and flowers on costume bows and embroidery were chosen to evoke subconscious sexual imagery. In general, the richer the costume, the richer the area from which it originated. Through costumes, people also used to associate and get to know each other at traditional feasts, which were and are used to celebrate the harvest and to celebrate fertility.
At first glance, nudity may seem inappropriate in contrast to costume and folk culture. However, this has not always been the case. The presence of the naked body has always belonged to folk, village culture, used in ritual and ceremonial celebrations. The design of the costumes themselves has also always awakened and encouraged all sorts of fantasies. Folk culture generally brings spiritual and sexual awakening and celebrates fertility. Moreover, traditional costume has a special power to give women and men self-confidence and improve their relationship with their own bodies and sexuality.
The Unspoken Things photographic series is therefore inspired by ethnographic texts that deal with the body as a cultural phenomenon. The photographs also draw on the ritual and symbolic meanings of fertility and sexuality that were and are found in folk culture and reflected in the folk costumes.
Wlasta Laura biography
Wlasta Laura (Znojmo, Czech Republic) is an interdisciplinary creative. She likes to play with hidden symbols, metaphors and narratives. Laura is balancing between European and Middle-Eastern culture. She was selected for ARTPIL’S 30 under 30 Women Photographers list for the year 2023 and she is also a member of organisation Women Photograph . In the last year her photographs have been recognized by institutions such as Lensculture and Life Framer.
“Photographs a man couldn’t take. Statements on the border of the girl’s and the woman’s world sometimes bring defiance and harmony. Laura works with images of fragility, transience, fantasy and sexuality. She captures not only the external world, but also the mystery of untold stories. Her photographs are inspired, among other things, by folkloric heritage.”