Instagram @lludosphotos

Ludovica Limido

ITALIE

Ludovica Limido was born on April 21, 1995, in Varese, Italy. After graduating from art school, she embarked on a three-year journey through Australia and Southeast Asia, strengthening her bond with photography. In 2019, she received a photography scholarship at the John Kaverdash Academy in Milan. She then started collaborating with local publications and organizations, gaining recognition for her storytelling skills. Commissioned in 2021 by the municipality of Cantello, Ludovica documented life in the northern Italian village, resulting in exhibitions and features in publications like Inkiesta and Icon Magazine. Encouraged by her achievements, Ludovica initiated her first long-term project, exploring body suspension subculture across Europe, earning accolades with a Parallelozero fellowship. From 2022-23, Ludovica captured the essence of Milan's Giambellino suburb for the Richard Photo District project and documented folklore in an Alto Adige village, earning exhibition opportunities and publications. In 2023, she then delved into the world of companion dolls, exploring the intimate bond between humans and their lifelike counterparts. Guided by her interest in countercultures and individual narratives, Ludovica's photography captures human connection in diverse landscapes and communities.

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The Doll Next Door

For centuries, humanity has been intrigued by the idea of artificial companionship. Rumors suggest that as far back as the 1600s, sailors carried early versions of sex dolls crafted from cotton and fabric on their long sea voyages. In the modern era, the landscape of synthetic relationships has undergone a profound transformation. Since 2018, catalyzed further by the upheavals of the Covid era, the adult doll market has seen rapid growth, fostering a global community of individuals who opt for "synthetic" relationships. Far from fitting the stereotype of isolated introverts, doll owners defy easy categorization. They come from diverse backgrounds, span various age groups, and pursue a range of professions, challenging societal norms with their unapologetic embrace of unconventional connections. Their homes become gateways to a secret, private world dedicated to their dolls; neat, compact spaces filled with accessories, clothes, jewelry, shoes - everything their dolls might need if only they were alive.

Despite the undeniable significance of these relationships, most remain shrouded in secrecy. Fueled by societal stigma and misconceptions, many who are part of this subculture often find themselves hiding it from even their closest friends and family. Through private forums, blogs, and social media, doll enthusiasts build connections, share advice, and celebrate the intricacies of their lives. These online networks serve as lifelines, offering a sense of belonging in a world that often fails to understand their reality.

As technology advances, love dolls represent the brink of a new era - the emergence of genuine robot companionship. With each innovation, the line between fantasy and human reality blurs, offering a glimpse into a future where the boundaries of intimacy are redefined. "The Doll Next Door" explores the deep emotional connections formed between individuals and their synthetic counterparts, revealing how companion dolls serve as confidants, companions, and even surrogate family members.

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