CNN  — 

Slovakian photographer Maria ?varbová has had her colorful work shown in galleries and festivals around the world, from Milan to Mexico City.

But the inspiration for her largest and most exhibited series – the saturated, soothingly symmetrical “Swimming Pools” – was found much closer to home.

A shot from Maria ?varbová photography series, "Swimming Pools."
A shot from Maria ?varbová photography series, "Swimming Pools."
Courtesy Mária ?varbová

In 2014, aware of ?varbová’s interest in architecture and public spaces, a friend suggested she scope out an 80-year-old pool in her hometown of Zlaté Moravce that had once belonged to a local high school. Though it had been closed for more than a decade, ?varbová was surprised to find the pool full and the space pristine.

?varbová photographed 13 pools in 13 different Slovakian cities.
?varbová photographed 13 pools in 13 different Slovakian cities.
Courtesy Mária ?varbová

“When I saw the first swimming pool, I was definitely fascinated by the architecture of this large open space,” she said on the phone from Bratislava. “I prefer swimming pools that are old and without reconstruction. I can see a timelessness.”

?varbová said that all of the pools she photographed (13 pools in 13 Slovakian cities) were built between 1920 and 1970. Their stark colors, repetitive lines, spaciousness and lack of ornamentation exemplify the functionalist architecture that dominated the region from 1948 to 1989, when Slovakia – then part of the former Czechoslovakia – was a communist state.

Slovakian photographer Maria ?varbová started her "Swimming Pools" series in 2014.
Slovakian photographer Maria ?varbová started her "Swimming Pools" series in 2014.
Courtesy Mária ?varbová
In the last four years, she has photographed 13 pools in 13 cities in Slovakia.
In the last four years, she has photographed 13 pools in 13 cities in Slovakia.
Courtesy Mária ?varbová
"I saw first swimming pool, I was definitely fascinated by the architecture of this large open space," she said.
"I saw first swimming pool, I was definitely fascinated by the architecture of this large open space," she said.
Courtesy Mária ?varbová
"I prefer swimming pools that are old and without reconstruction. I can see a timelessness," she said.
"I prefer swimming pools that are old and without reconstruction. I can see a timelessness," she said.
Courtesy Mária ?varbová
Many of the models' angular poses were inspired by the Spartakiads, mass gymnastic events organized by the former communist government.
Many of the models' angular poses were inspired by the Spartakiads, mass gymnastic events organized by the former communist government.
Courtesy Mária ?varbová
Mária ?varbová's 'Swimming Pools'

Where some might see coldness, ?varbová saw opportunity.

A photographic history of swimming pools

“For me, it’s sci-fi, it’s futuristic,” she said. “I like to combine in my work old things – for example, (buildings) from the (communist) era – with modern things. I would like to show people something new, where there is old and new with each other.”

She enlisted models in primary-colored swimsuits to adopt angular positions inspired by the Spartakiads, mass gymnastic events organized by the communist government where thousands of participants performed routines in unison.

The poses were inspired by mass gymnastic events organized by the former communist government.
The poses were inspired by mass gymnastic events organized by the former communist government.
Courtesy Mária ?varbová

In post-production, bodies were multiplied, colors were enhanced and asymmetrical elements were erased. The carefully composed result is both serene and surreal; an imperfect world, unnervingly perfected.

?varbová digitally edited the photos to enhance their saturated and symmetrical appearance.
?varbová digitally edited the photos to enhance their saturated and symmetrical appearance.
Courtesy Mária ?varbová

“I like water because, for me, it’s a mirror or other side of the world,” ?varbová said. “My photographs are my imaginary world. I would like to show people other side of normal life.”