"Octopus", 2022
“I know my work can be hard for some people to like. And some people will just see bodies. But for those who take the time to understand it, it moves something in them. It’s true that understanding the context of the work can make the difference between interpreting the images as empowering rather than objectifying. The images are edgy, but they never take advantage. They don’t carry any baggage.” ~ João de Castro
João's images portray women in their rawest moments, exploring their true identities, and unleashing pent-up emotions that can only be released in a space where judgement does not exist.
Source: João de Castro
“I will never forget our experience shooting with the octopus. He [Joäo] asked me what was my favourite food and I said octopus. In a way I felt strange to shoot with this animal but then I said...‘OK. It’s a challenge for you Ana to get our of your comfort zone.’
“The entire experience felt like that with João. It was experimental, it was playful, friendly, it was full of the feeling that we created passion. Not for a client, not pressured by social media, not pressured by anything. It just felt like that.” ~ Ana