Prague-born photographer, Markéta Luskačová, has captured the essence of childhood in her evocative images taken between 1967 and 2004. Her photographs, which are both curious and tender, document various facets of childhood, including friendship, worship, and play.
One of her notable images, titled “North Shields seaside with Matthew, 1978,” showcases her personal connection to her work. Luskačová recalls the challenges of juggling her role as a mother with her passion for photography. With her one-year-old son, Matthew, in tow, she would embark on her photographic journeys, drawing inspiration from the peasant women of Sumiac, Slovakia.
These women, whom she had photographed earlier, would carry their babies while working in the fields. Luskačová’s determination mirrored theirs, as she believed that if they could manage, so could she. This intimate blend of personal and professional life is evident in her work, making her images resonate deeply with viewers. The gallery, curated by Mee-Lai Stone for The Guardian, offers a glimpse into the world of childhood through Luskačová’s lens.