Prairie: What are some reoccurring themes or symbols in your work?

Céline Bodin: I have been thinking about mythology a lot, researching Greek myths and the history of women in that respect, and in particular the first female nude representations. I am interested in the ways power roles have shifted throughout time and how the images of powerful goddesses and idealized bodies have moved from power to vulnerability or viewing pleasure. This is going towards my future series.

I also continuously work on cyanotypes on fabric. This on-going experiment explores elements associated to the female world, such as antique fabrics, lace, old-fashioned feminine clothing, underwear, and human hair. They tell a tale of the alienation of gender, through objects as well as transformable physical elements, all to translate a sense of mystique.

Describe your process, do you work with a model or on your own?

CB: The cyanotypes are a very enjoyable process for me as they are very direct, I can work on my own from start to finish, no model, lab, or printer is needed. It is a bit of an introspective practice.

I normally work with the human body and my subjects are very central to my work. But I find working with people quite draining, as I must convey a certain energy: I have my exact images in mind before shooting, so there are a lot of expectations.

An association of strong dependence on others as muses, and a need for solitude to find inspiration, a time for preparation, and a time to reset, are essential to my work in general.

Photographs: Céline Bodin

Objects and Light