Senta Simond
Rayon Vert is Senta Simond’s latest project, a research of the relation between the artist and the model. Simond’s portraits opposes the trend toward a depersonalisation of the young woman’s body. Inspired by David Salle’s concept of “Theatrical Intimacy”, the photographer engages into a close-range exploration of intimacy with her peers. They appear claiming the whole picture, often filling the whole frame, leaving out any decorative element, up to the clothing. “Simond’s luminous, close up studies of her friends and peers speak volumes on the communicative possibilities stored within tiny gestures and offhand facial expressions” says Lesley C. Martin, creative director at Aperture Foundation.
Senta Simon presents Rayon Vert as small and large prints, and a book, which was shortlisted for the “First Book Award”, Paris Photo/Aperture Foundation (NY), and received a “Mention honorable” at the Prix Forum Centre Pasquart, Bienne. Simond obtained her Master of Arts at the ECAL, Lausanne, where she is currently teaching.
Can you describe your approach or methodology to photography? Research is a big part of my practice, and this sets up the parameter for the shoot. When I’m behind my camera, I allow intuition to guide me, and accidents to enter the process. I like to let a reaction happen between the subject, the environment, and me.
How does your work environment look? How does your work environment influence your creative outcome? I don’t have a work environment at the moment. As I’m continually commuting, I like to feel “light” and not have to think too much about materials. Maybe this is influencing my work.
What inspires you? Can you describe an event that recently inspired you? My inspirations come mainly from film and photography. Recently I’ve been watching Hal Hartley movies. I like everything about his work! The specific use of actors, dialogue, soundtracks, and the aesthetic.
