Artists Lois Ward-Marvin and Carey Marvin have become the focus of an ongoing photographic project that explores themes of identity, heritage, and intimacy within a domestic setting. The project, undertaken by the creative duo behind Fotómetro, began after discovering Lois’s performance art on social media and meeting the mother-daughter pair in their home.
The series initially sought to portray unconventional expressions of Jewish identity. Lois, a performance artist involved with the fetish community, uses her work to engage with sexuality and queerness. One early photograph features Lois clad in a latex mask and bodysuit adorned with the Star of David, standing in the kitchen while her mother Carey draws at a nearby table. The image underscores the fluid transmission of heritage across generations, as well as the couple’s shared artistic environment.
Their home, rich with artwork, motifs, and symbols reflecting their interests, appears as a living extension of their personalities. Over the course of two years, the photographers continued to document the evolving narrative presented by Lois and Carey’s environment, uncovering new visual stories in various rooms, including Lois’s childhood bedroom, noted for its bright pink fireplace contrasted against peeling walls.
The garden is a significant aspect of the series, symbolizing the close relationship between mother and daughter. Carey, who dedicates daily care to tending the plants, is frequently pictured watering them, while Lois is often shown positioned amidst the greenery, almost blending in as part of the natural surroundings. This staging conveys an emotional truth about their coexistence and connection.
The series also explores vulnerability and intimacy. Both have been photographed naked in their shared space, conveying comfort and a lack of inhibition around each other. Their bond is quietly demonstrated rather than overtly expressed; one intimate moment captures Lois tattooing Carey, turning the mother into a living canvas for her daughter’s art.
Fotómetro’s work with Lois and Carey builds on their broader artistic interests, which include documenting relationships and the home as a manifestation of identity. Their longer-term project, Us, created between Tel Aviv and London, involved portraying couples within their personal living environments and was partly inspired by the photographers’ own relationship.
The ongoing collaboration has developed into a close friendship, with visitation often occurring without the presence of cameras. The Lois and Carey series has garnered critical recognition, including being shortlisted for the Winston Taylor Photo Portrait prize at the National Portrait Gallery in London, where it was exhibited in 2023 and is scheduled for display again this November. Further exhibitions and publications are planned, including displays at the Head On Photo festival in Sydney later this year.
The photographers emphasize the importance of personal exploration and authenticity in artistic practice, encouraging continuous questioning and a commitment to discovering a unique voice beyond technical skill or trends.
Work by Lois Ward-Marvin and Carey Marvin can be viewed on Instagram under @lois.spookedd and @c.s.marvin.