The Liberating Power of Nudity: Unveiling the Original 'Janna and Ika' by Jock Sturges

Photographer Jock Sturges has spent his career capturing humanity in its most intimate and authentic form, consistently pushing the boundaries of censorship and convention. One of his most iconic works, 'Janna and Ika', a family portrait of a Japanese mother and daughter bathing together in a natural setting, has become a symbol of the liberating power of nudity – an iconic representation of the sensual and natural relationship between women.

In 1990, Sturges, a filmmaker and contemporary photographer, traveled to Japan with his then-partner, photographer Paola Pivi, to document the relationship between the photographer and his young son, Taro. Instead of solely focusing on the intended subject, Sturges extensively captured the intimate bond between Japanese mothers and their young daughters during daily bathing routines.

Initially shot in black and white, ‘Janna and Ika’ exhibited a beautiful, almost romanticized portrayal of the relationship. The young mother, Janna, so fully at ease alongside her child is something adjacent to archaeologically raw sensuality. Her natural connection with her daughter completely transcends any notion of superficial physique, shifting the photographer's lens forward in focus.