Studio Cataclysm/Cathy Lacointe sent this work to Gothesque to be a part of our #whyididntreport series. Here at Gothesque, we aim to keep the momentum moving of this cause and those like it, such as #metoo and #timesup.
Too many voices have gone unheard, too many have been afraid to speak up, too many are still shamed and blamed for their own assaults. It is time we start believing survivors and supporting them rather than protecting monsters that choose to violate them.
We share work themed with these personal experiences and those we care for in an effort to help others feel less alone.
For Better and Worse
Credits:
Model and MUA: Lady Beverly
Photography and styling: Studio Cataclysm – Cathy Lacointe
Created in Thil-Manneville, France
Our Insta are @cataclysm_boudoir_photo@ladybeverly_
On Facebook,@ladybeverly _ modèle@Cataclysm photo
- What inspired the creation of these images?
As a woman, I feel really concerned about the cause of violence against women. I have heard many stories of violence, particularly those of a friend of mine, who was kind of a prisoner in a marriage that became a nightmare since the wedding night.
My initial project and model for the day fell through. Luckily I was able to find another quickly. Together we started working on a concept by first damaging her makeup, and then, I saw the wedding dress hanging in the studio’s dressing room, and the idea came!
We made this set in a few minutes. Immediately, model Beverly put herself in the shoes of the character; she is a great actress! It was intense and emotional; we were about to cry! Especially Beverly’s mother, who was here to witness our photo session. She prays never to have to see her daughter in this condition.
- Do you have a personal story you would like to share?
My mother was sexually abused when she was a child, she was only 9, and she taught us very early on to be careful. She told us about the existence of child sexual abuse; she taught us to preserve our privacy. As a mother myself, I taught the same things to my daughter.
A friend of mine was raped when she was 13. Her own brother gave her as a training doll for two friends who were young adults, 16 and 19. It was so horrible for her; she felt so dirty, she was so ashamed, that she could not talk to anyone. She was scared; she was afraid of what her family might have thought. As a Muslim, it was impossible for her to talk; she would have been banned! She finally spoke to her mother a few months after, because she was so traumatized that she became suicidal.
- Imagine a fictional world where sexual abuse doesn’t exist. What is something you would be able to do that you cannot do now?
I was never afraid for myself, but I worry about my daughter. So I often refused her to go out with friends, go to parties, or concerts. Because she is beautiful and I worry about what boys could do to her, she is about 19, and she has a boyfriend now, but I can’t help worrying. In a world where sexual abuse doesn’t exist, I would not worry as much!
- How has Covid-19 affected your life?
Covid has changed my life in a different kind of way. My mother is fragile; she had lung cancer a few years ago, she’s weaker now, so we are very scared for her.
As a craftswoman, it’s very difficult for me because I used to work in the craft market, medieval market, and so on. These events no longer exist. It’s banned here in France, and as a “non-essential,” I cannot work as I used to, so my business is in danger now. It’s very difficult for many of us.
- What title would give this chapter in your life, and why?
“Half-life” because I feel like I’m only living half of a life.
- What has kept you sane lately?
Until now, it’s photography that makes me keep the faith, not to become crazy because I need to create. I create images to replace these events that no longer exist.
