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Exploring the Limits of the Human Body

Photo: Tomasz Gudzowaty

In Beyond the Body: Tomasz Gudzowaty in the Eyes of Nan Goldin, out from Steidl, famed photographer Nan Goldin explores the boundaries of human physicality through the work of Tomasz Gudzowaty. The gritty black-and-white portraits by the Polish photographer offer multiple perspectives on how people push their physical capabilities.

“The men and women, and the boys and girls, in these photographs are flying, floating, upside down,” Goldin says in her introduction. “They are engaged in an effort to push past their critical boundaries in order to arrive at a mystical state of control.” Click ahead to see the fighters, swimmers, and jockeys in action.

Photo: Tomasz Gudzowaty

An 11-year-old Mongolian jockey before a race.

Photo: Tomasz Gudzowaty

Ukrainian synchronized swimmers in position.

Photo: Tomasz Gudzowaty

Classic cars racing in Mexico.

Photo: Tomasz Gudzowaty

Mumbai caddies playing golf.

Photo: Tomasz Gudzowaty

10-year-old Budragchaa.

Photo: Tomasz Gudzowaty/©Jakub Certowicz

Cars in a shopping center in Mexico City.

Photo: Tomasz Gudzowaty

Sumo wrestler from Michinoku.

Photo: Tomasz Gudzowaty

Nada Kusti wrestlers training.

Exploring the Limits of the Human Body