Where Memory Weaves Threads into Fabric: A Reflection on Inheritance and the Process of Becoming
The ongoing project captures individuals from our community – along with ourselves – wearing clothing passed down from our maternal figures.
Text: Photos: Anna Skuratovski
© Anna Skuratovski
© Anna Skuratovski
© Elif Gündüz
Photo left: Elif wearing Selen‘s gown, layered with a skirt from her own vintage wardrobe. Jewelry gifted by Selen. Boots from Anna‘s vintage wardrobe.
Photo right: Anna is wearing Ludmila‘s shirt and holding her glasses. Boots and knee socks from her own vintage wardrobe. Necklace gifted by Ludmila. Rings werde made by Amy and are vintage.
© Anna Skuratovski
Photo above: Ana Sofia is wearing a dress by Alexandrina Maria. Shoes are from her own vintage wardrobe. Tights are from Anna’s vintage wardrobe. Cross necklace is from Ana.
These pieces, often one of the few belongings brought during migration, serve as vital threads that connect us to our past. Through contemporary styling which incorporates items from our own vintage wardrobes, as well as methods of pinning and layering, the garments are temporarily altered and reinterpreted. Inspired by images of our maternal figures taken when they were roughly our age, the poses in the series resemble their gestures and presence. Together, we create a collection of images that approach clothing as something that holds memory while also remaining mutable.
© Anna Skuratovski
© Anna Skuratovski
Photo right: Amy is wearing a hand-knitted top made and gifted to her by Joan and a hand-made pearl necklace by Daniela. Pants are from Joan‘s wardrobe. Headpiece and watch are from Daniela. Shoes are from Amy‘s own vintage wardrobe. The horse pendant is handmade by Amy. The other jewelry is from Amy‘s own vintage collection.
The title references Miley Cyrus’s 2019 pop song, which celebrates autonomy and freedom and is a counterpart to my experience of being referred to as my “father’s daughter“ in social contexts. While switching passports, a translation error occurred, manifesting my patronymic name (a name derived from the father‘s name, common in Ukrainian passports) mistakenly as my second name. MOTHERS DAUGHTER shifts the gaze and reclaims this narrative as an homage to the women who have paved our way and shaped our emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and creative growth.
© Anna Skuratovski
A project on the theme of M(OTHER)ING, realized in collaboration with the Applied Photography and Time-Based Media class led by Prof. Maria Ziegelböck at the University of Applied Arts Vienna. Created as part of Yasmina Haddad's MATCH! #4 course.
The interrelationship between photography, fashion, and casting is examined, with a focus on the relationship between photographer and subject—and vice versa. The mother figure is not meant biologically, but is considered through acts of care:
m(other)ing is a verb.
mothers mother
fathers mother
friends mother
(you can be the mother of a house)
Are you maternal? Or are you mom? Like, queen?*
Creative Direction, Photography, Edit, Light: Anna Skuratovski
Hair & Make-up, Styling, Light, Picture of Anna: Elif Gündüz
Elif, Anna und Lea Sophia Mair are part of the photography collective llamestudio which was founded in 2024 in Vienna by four students from the Applied Photography and time-based media class.
Models: Elif Gündüz, Anna Skuratovski, Ana Sofia Matos, Amy-Casilda Bartoli
Mother Figures/Care Takers: Selen Gündüz, Ludmila Skuratovski, Alexandrina Maria Azevedo Rocha, Ana Azevedo Rocha, Joan Bartoli, Daniela Bartoli
Color Grading Support: Lea Sophia Mair
