Dutch artist duo Mark and Lara are ready to launch their second annual “Amsterdam Nude Calendar”. Embracing the intimacy of human form, and drawing from the close relationships between friends, family, and acquaintances, the “Amsterdam Nude Calendar” showcases artistry whilst unveiling the cultural progressiveness of Holland and it’s rich history rooted in creative activity. Photographing everyday people in typical Amsterdam breaks the stereotype of published nudity.

How did you become comfortable with nudity and the more sensual aspects of life? It feels like though nudity has somewhat been destigmatized in media, many still find it uncomfortable or taboo in everyday life.
In the house we used to live in together, we were with 7 friends in a three bedroom, one bathroom. Our roommate even built a double bunk bed above his own bed for his childhood friend who came to live with us. Sometimes we would take baths together and we would watch “Friends” or “How I Met Your Mother” with the laptop on the toilet. It was platonic, and easy and a good time. It's not the reason why, but it's also a consequence of the attitude.

We see that some people still find it exciting and weird to view nude images in public, even if it’s art. When they buy a calendar, they ask for a discreet bag or envelope around the calendar because they have to walk with it on the streets. So now we give out bags, but we put little stickers on them that say ‘THE AMSTERDAM NUDE CALENDAR’

Why is it do you think society has such a deep yet hidden fascination with nude photos?Probably because the nude body (especially half dressed or half undressed) is the thing you see just before or just after you have sex, and sex is exciting for everyone. Or when you look at yourself in the mirror while you’re changing your clothes, you look at yourself and determine if you think you look attractive.

How do the two of you mix creatively? Do you create concepts together or come together with separate ideas?
We are each others eyes when we work and each others memory. When one is cranky, the other one can be nice and vice versa.

How did casting for this shoot work? Did you seek out friends? Was showcasing diversity important to the concept of the shoot?
In 2019 the Amsterdam Nude Calendar was launched for the first time and we got a lot of positive response to the project. It’s nice when people come up to us on the metro here in Amsterdam or at a friends party asking if they could be in our next calendar, those are the kind of models you want. For example the aunt of a girl we photographed last year really wanted to be photographed for the calendar this time. Family is also a dear source, whenever a model has a beautiful family member, we love to shoot that person as well. Or shoot them together.

I noticed nature and everyday environments were often backdrops in the calendar. What were the meanings behind the location and city this calendar was shot in?
Nature really works well with our photography and is always available, we only shoot with natural light. Then Amsterdam: everyone in Holland knows “Turks Fruit”, a movie shot by Paul Verhoeven in the seventies. It breathes seks and gave Amsterdam a good reputation for years. We felt like bringing a bit of that into our own Amsterdam again. We don’t work with a big team. No hair and makeup artist on set, no stylist, no distractions, just focus. Maybe an intern, because that can add a lot of fun to the dynamic!

The way both men and women are portrayed in your photographs is very intimate and subtle. Does this perspective play into the way you view the human body personally?
Yes! Everybody looks better when they are half naked, especially girls. Guys look better when they are undressing, we noticed! Also for example Mark is gay, but he knows perfectly what he loves about breasts and why. The same goes for me, I now love them instead of just comparing them to my own..

What is next for Lara and Mark? Collectively and individually?
The calendar will be an annual thing and we want to shoot new ones in different countries: maybe Jerusalem? Or Moscow.. Or Rio.