It's as though you never left
Good and evil are two prickly presences that coexist in everyone, constantly fighting each other according to the dualistic worldview. Edgy like the nails recreated by nail artist Laura Jansen. Dualism roots in the concept of dichotomy: the division of an entity into two mutually exclusive parts so that they cannot be accurate and fully exhaustive simultaneously, leaving no room for a third party. Under the artistic direction of Misha Kratina, photographer Nanda Hagenaars, along with assistant Benthe Baks, captures the beauty of multitude, non-duality and the intrinsic contradiction of the human being. Model Kobus radiates luxurious elegance with his face covered in pearls like a modern Cleopatra. At the same time, he conveys the strength and courage typical of a Roman warrior in his armour. Both live in him. The hair braids, made by Anna Kleimenova, bind him to himself and to model Rosella, representing the link with the old stereotypes that separate the world into good and evil. Concepts as heavy as chains. The mental cages are represented by stylist Marja Bennenbroek in the use of clothes, in particular the crinoline: women's cage in the 19th century. The theory of right and wrong influencing each other is also conveyed by the stylistic choice of retoucher Ivo Geskus to use black and white photos, actually imbued with a thousand shades of grey.
Photography: Nanda Hagenaars / nandahagenaars
Art Direction: Misha Kratina / mishakratina
Styling: Marja Bennenbroek / marjabennenbroek
Hair & Makeup: Anna Kleimenova / annak.makeupartist
Nails: Laura Jansen / lauleefromtheblock
Casting director: Michiel van Maaren / michielvanmaaren
Models: Kobus / kobus_____ @ Let it go
Rosella @ Micha Models
Photography assistant: Benthe Baks / benthebakx
Retouch: Ivo Geskus
Words: Giorgia Ribaldone / giorgiariba