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InspirationPhotography

Swim: Inviting new work by Mária Švarbová dipped in appealing primary colours

What is it about the humble, public swimming pool that fascinates Slovakian photographer Mária Švarbová so much?

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A swimmer in a turquoise cap stands at the edge of a blue swimming pool beneath large windows and sketches pinned to the glass panes above the waterline

Is it the muted colours? Or perhaps the chlorine smells and echoing sounds of the space? In her latest body of work, she continues to explore these things, creating a series that's doused in primary colours.

Her earlier works – featured here and here – follow a similar theme, where she plays with colour to create interesting imagery that turns the dull and ordinary into the extraordinary. It's this signature style that has made Mária's work renowned for having an eerie stillness and a self-conscious tautness, with just a touch of playful oddness to intrigue the viewer.

With degrees in art conservation, restoration and archaeology, she found herself instead drawn to the medium of photography in 2010. Mária’s early work, which was published under the name Aria Baro, focused on surrealist portraiture and with strong Art Nouveau themes and was a reflection on her background and interest in art history.

Via Behance | All images courtesy of Mária Švarbová. Costume & Styling by Zuzana Hudakova and Martina Siranova

Overhead view of a swimmer in a red floral swim cap floating face-down in bright blue pool water
Swimmer in white swimwear holding red hula hoop above head, standing on diving board above turquoise pool with blue-framed windows behind
Overhead view of a swimming pool split across two levels, with a figure in yellow standing at the upper level near a window and blue-tiled changing areas below
Overhead view of a public swimming pool with two swimmers in red and blue costumes in shallow water above, and two swimmers in matching costumes diving below, against beige tiled surroundings
Two young swimmers in red costumes stand in bright blue swimming pool water between lane dividers
Swimmer in red costume suspended mid-dive above a blue indoor swimming pool with lane dividers and large windows reflecting the pool's interior
Two figures in swimwear sit at the edge of an indoor swimming pool holding a red inflatable ring, framed by a blue-gridded window and potted plants
Two young swimmers in red and yellow caps float in a bright blue pool with dark lane dividers, viewed from above.
Swimmer in red swimwear diving into a blue public swimming pool with metal railings and tiled surroundings
Swimmer wearing a bright red cap in a turquoise and blue public swimming pool with tiled walls and lane dividers
A swimmer in an orange and white costume stands on the poolside beside a blue staircase and metal baskets, with water visible below and an exit sign overhead
Two swimmers stand at a poolside beneath a mural featuring pink coral-like forms, turquoise sky, a yellow clock and sandy beach sections.
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