A Chat with Wrené (13.04.24)
Poet, actress, model, singer, podcast host, songwriter – Wrené embraces performing arts with ferocious and infectious passion. Unafraid to tackle provocative themes and issues, Wrené finds a line between reality and surrealism in her obscure art…then blurs it. We speak with the US-based artist about her new music video ‘Metamorphosis’, her podcast Echoes Into The Cosmos, and much more.
OSR: Your themes of femininity and the over-sexualization of women are a big part of ‘Metamorphosis’ the song. Do they extend to Metamorphosis the album as well?
Wrené: The general idea of ‘femininity’ and the over-sexualization of women in music videos is something I’d definitely like to counter with this project, however, the meaning of the song is far more universal. The themes in the song overall are more centred around personal change and transformation – the arc of leading an authentic life. However, if you were to watch this video on silent beside a Tate McRae music video for instance, the differences of perspective on the female performer become quite apparent.
OSR: . Your new video for ‘Metamorphosis’ is coming out in the year following the release of the single. Did this allow more time to consider the concept for the video?
Wrené: It did. The delays in production were not in my control but everything came to fruition in its own time. A lot of personal change and transformation can happen in a year! In a way, it was advantageous to revisit this with a fresh perspective.
OSR: The imagery of the butterfly emerging from the chrysalis is often a symbol of rebirth. What gave you the idea to use this symbol to challenge the over-sexualization of women?
Wrené: That’s an interesting perspective. I think a lot of women can identify with feeling a need to ‘shed’ or not conform to certain ideals. I faced a lot of external pressure growing up from others on how I could be ‘more attractive’ to a man, how to ‘behave’ etc.
I am living authentically, and I’m still deemed somehow ‘rebellious’ or ‘naughty’ for presenting how I do. I just don’t give a sh*t about meaningless or superficial criticism anymore.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED
OSR: One of the most striking parts of the video is when you appear to be scraping away the ‘chrysalis’ that you later emerge from. Could the chrysalis be thought of as the damage done to women through sexual harassment?
Wrené: Absolutely it can be thought of that way! Even if you’re the most carefree person in the world, these experiences add layers of weight that affect how you see yourself and how you see the world. This moment is the part of becoming where you’re no longer hindered by what you felt was ‘safety’ or ‘protection.’
OSR: Another striking image of the video is the use of what looks like glow-in-the-dark body paint. Did you film those scenes with actual body paint or was it an effect that you added in post-production?
Wrené: This was entirely painted on me by hand!
OSR: Your Spotify bio says you’re an actor as well as a poet and singer. Did the ability to act help you prepare for filming this video?
Wrené: I’ve learned in practice that the ability to act is to portray what is real, and I feel grateful that this video allowed me to engage with that philosophy using my own story.
OSR: The use of nude imagery in the video seems to be a symbolic parallel to coming out of the chrysalis and becoming the butterfly. Can you give us an idea of some specific principles or guidelines that you follow that help you use nudity that is empowering versus nudity that is over-sexualized?
Wrené: I believe nudity becomes empowering when used as a motive for seeing someone in their most natural state, or if one chooses to present themselves without inhibition. If you have trouble identifying the difference between expression and objectification, you can ask yourself this: “Is their nakedness revealing something more about their individuality?”
OSR: In your podcast Echoes into the Cosmos, you have a segment called ‘Nudity in Art’ where you discuss some of your experiences modelling and using nudity to create art. What advice would you give women seeking to create art in this way?
Wrené: My advice to women seeking to create such art is that the opportunity for self-discovery outweighs the difficulties. Not everyone will be accepting or understanding of your art, and you must honour your boundaries while working with others.
OSR: In another episode of your podcast, you talk about being in touch with your intuition for creativity as the primary way in which you write songs. Did you engage in a similar process for creating this video or did the change in medium affect your creative process?
Wrené: The process was very intuitive for the most part, but for this project, I really thought about how to incorporate the nudity in a meaningful way, and how to tell that story in the edit of the footage.
OSR: Were there any stylistic influences that helped you create this video?
Wrené: Actually, I was inspired by a lot of nature documentaries! My favourite part of this whole process was visiting the Butterfly Conservatory and shooting footage with my handheld. They’re such amazing creatures, and I learned so much by watching them that day.
Many thanks to Wrené for speaking with us! Find out more about Wrené on her official website, Instagram and Spotify.
Listen to more avant-garde songs on The Other Side Reviews Avant Garde playlist:
