Eliska Sky--Artist Statement

Growing up in the Czech Republic, I always felt that there was a lack of representation in the media and the limited perception of beauty. The feeling of not fitting in as a teenager, pushed me to explore the diversity of beauty and themes of body positivity in my work. Through my lens, I felt the freedom of self-expression and importance of inclusivity. For this grant, I present two projects: Womaneroes and Vive Matisse!

Womaneroes (ongoing from 2015) is a photography project that celebrates the strength, beauty, and diversity of women of various body sizes and ages. In a world saturated with unrealistic beauty standards and body-shaming, this series seeks to challenge and subvert these norms by presenting women who have courageously embraced their bodies through the transformative power of body painting. By adorning themselves with vibrant hues and patterns, these women reclaim ownership of their bodies, symbolizing their strength and confidence. The project then redefines the female figure as a colorful, playful, and powerful form, where all shapes and sizes are welcomed. Women as heroes, Womaneroes.