LUNULA; UÑA I KULTURA

Lunula: ‘’The lunula is the distinct portion of the distal nail matrix that extends beyond the proximal nail-fold. It is white, half-moon-shaped, appears by week 14 of gestation, and has unique histologic features. The lunula has a primary structural role in defining the free edge of the distal nail plate.’’

Definition: Uña I Kultura.These two words is out of the language Papiamentu from the island Willemstad/Curaçao. Uña I Kultura means: Nails and Culture.

For woman in the Caribbean and Latin communities, nails etiquette has been to a great extent, an essential part of their lives. The nails were designed characteristically for each individual, representing their personality, work or interests.

There for of its tidiness, elegance, but also a representation of womanhood, sensuality and self-expression.

Lunula is a short documentation of photo series that was created during 1,5-month journey in the Caribbean, where I have ‘’stranded’’ on the island Curaçao. During this voyage, I had the privilege to deep dive into the cultural traditions of several communities and echelons. Witnessing parts of heritage and beliefs that have been untouched ever since the Dutch colonisation.

Additionally, Nail art has become a charm of empowerment and hold intentions in a broader sense of imagination, feeling and being.