There’s something about tongues that makes them equal parts alluring and grotesque. Undeniably sexual they also possess a certain quality that can quickly turn the sensual into the disturbing, even the gross.

It’s within this space of tension that artist Laila Majid operates, teasing out both the seductive and repulsive possibilities in her exploration of the human body. In a new photo series, we see this tension play out as Majid juxtaposes the softness of bodily flesh and fluids with the impenetrable metal tools that interact with the mouths. The result is visceral images that you can’t help but look at.

Here, we speak to the artist about the images and using tongues as a beauty canvas.