Uncovering Séverine Cat: “I am both the objectified and the object”

Séverine Cat‘s photographs are a breathtaking exploration of visual storytelling, where bold colors and striking outfits command attention. Each image captivates the viewer, drawing them into a world where she stages herself in a variety of thought-provoking scenarios. Through her art, Severine challenges societal norms regarding the portrayal of women, deftly interrogating the often idealized and fantastical stereotypes perpetuated by the media. Each photograph not only serves as a visual feast but also invites viewers to reflect on the complex narratives surrounding femininity in contemporary culture.

In a recent conversation with Séverine, we delved deeper into her artistic vision, uncovering the sources of her inspiration and the intricate process behind the creation of her compelling images.

Hi and thank you for accepting our invitation. Can you share a bit about yourself?

Hi! My name is Séverine Cat, which is the contraction of Cattin my surname. I grew up in Geneva, Switzerland. Coming from the banking field, I have a rather atypical path. I lived 10 years in Tokyo where I worked in an art gallery. It was only in 2022 that I started being a full-time artist.

Given the state of mainstream culture that permeates how we consume media, how would you introduce your art to a stranger?

My self-portraits consist of staging myself to question society’s portrayal of women and playing with fantasized female stereotypes conveyed by the media. There’s a duality, I am both the objectified and the object. Depicting myself with provocative clothes and poses and sometimes not wearing much, allows me to question the viewer about the prevalence of the male gaze in photography.

Can you tell us a bit more about the process of how your images are born?

Location scouting is the first step to building a character. I am constantly looking for places that will make the « scene » happen. It’s not only a character that will emerge but a total curated universe. For instance, I saw on the net an abandoned UFO village in the Taiwanese countryside, that was it! I started to create and imagine the character, I packed all the costumes wigs, and accessories, and after a 16-hour flight and 2-hour route to the location, I started to shoot.

Who would you say are some of the biggest influences on your work?

My mother, her free spirit and political incorrectness, the 70s and 80s movies, mostly horror B movies, vintage erotic magazines, and porn movies. Some extremely tragic celebrities and abandoned old houses.

If there was one thing you wanted your audience to take from your work, what would it be?

Freedom of expression or maybe just Be Free!

Is there one image of yours that can be seen as the defining epicenter of your catalog?

The latest series with the « Nun »

What are you currently fascinated by and how is it feeding into your work?

The human body, with outstanding and unusual features that don’t match the beauty standards.

There are many descriptions of the ideal state of mind for being creative. What is it like for you?

I honestly don’t have one. Sometimes a bad day can turn into something very creative, and sometimes not.

Do you have certain rituals to get you into the right mindset for creating? What role do certain foods or stimulants like coffee, lighting, scents, exercise, or reading poetry play?

I don’t really have strategies, I’m a quite moody person, so what worked yesterday to boost my creation will not necessarily work today or tomorrow. I definitely can’t start anything without coffee though. I’m a real addict. I also need to be in a noisy atmosphere to concentrate. I cannot create an environment where you can hear a pin drop.

From a design perspective, what are your vital tools, resources, and methods for you during the process?

At the moment, I don’t really need a studio as I mainly work outside but I do have a stockroom like one for making a whole movie set! I collect a lot of vintage accessories and garments. My self-portraits are mostly based between the 60s and the 80s so I need all the stuff to be from that time. Details are very important to me, I recently got a lace apron from the 50s from Pennsylvania. I need authenticity, clothes, house, furniture each single detail is as important as the portrait itself. I mostly work alone with an iPhone only.

Guilty pleasure time. What would you say are some of your current most guilty pleasures? All is fair game, books, video games, whatever floats your boat. Let us have it.

I have a real passion for 80s fashion that I compulsively collect. When I look at my closet, I feel guilty so I sometimes use my art as an alibi to justify the purchases.

As you grow as an artist, are you seeing your style and interests change?

I think that my art is evolving for sure and hope for my style to get more unique.

Looking to the future, what’s next for you?

Next year I will be shooting at the historical but closed-down Belvedere Hotel in Switzerland which became a cult following its appearance in the James Bond movie Goldfinger and hopefully a solo show.