Culture Corner: Contemporary Chats with the Art World’s “Catalyst”

It’s been over a week since artist Kat Alyst released a digital art exhibition and we are obsessed!

The world has changed in the way we will forever interact with each other and make social plans and events—that’s certain. Artist and photographer, Kat Alyst, continues to use her genius to think outside the box in the contemporary arts and culture during this strange time. It’s been slightly over a week since she released her collection of work with a clever twist to view online, and we literally cannot wait to see what she creates next.

Kat! Has your life completely changed, what has been the most impacting, what’s next, and how are you feeling about everything?

Kat Alyst: (laughing) Hey guys—things are good. I’ve honestly been sleeping A LOT this week—very weird for me— but I think it’s been needed. Life is good, I’m just really grateful the work is out and I can share my messages and have the privilege to do any of it. 

Lovely. Your work is so bright and a delight but seems it also carries a bit of a darker twist? Can you tell our readers more?

Kat Alyst: Colors… I love them. When I was younger I was a lot more sensitive to this, but I could actually taste them intensely. Now they just burst around in my mind and get intense when I read or hear words. I use a lot of my titles or feelings as inspiration on color decisions in that way too. It’s been ideal to contrast an uncomfortable topic in rainbow form for me, and creates a more gentle way of expression.

This. Is. Fascinating. Are you describing synesthesia? 

Kat Alyst: Yeah (laughing) I should have just said that.

So for example, “sleep paralysis”, the blues are seemingly specific and deliberate. Was this blue intentional, and how so… if so! 

Kat Alyst: This piece was originally titled; “searching for a color blue that doesn’t exist”. I changed it to a specific title for the whole experience. I have always seen blue colors for “sleep” and “paralysis” separately, but together, it became a new blue abstraction entirely. The color blue ‘that doesn’t exist’ though pertains to something else completely.

How enduring, please go on!

Kat Alyst: The layer in between dreaming and reality is another realm, right? It’s interesting that we can tap in with various techniques—like meditation, for example—but specifically, for this piece, I had bizarre and terrifying experiences for a while with sleep paralysis. This work is a mix of synesthesia, but also a replica of the experience in a stylized execution. I’m not sure if it’s because of how I see the color combinations with the phrase, ‘sleep paralysis’, but the experiences with the actual encounter with this abstract creature was very blue. Like an “in between worlds blue”. A blue that doesn’t exist, and I still can’t seem to re-create it… or find it.

“Genius” includes a lot of complexities it seems.

Kat Alyst: (laughing) I don’t know if you’re complimenting me still or giving me a read.

We love you darling. We are literally so obsessed with you and all of this great self-portrait imagery. Your message is actually very important, so can you elaborate?

Kat Alyst: I needed to get this work out whether there was a good response or not, and base it around my own mental-health and illness. I thought it could seem attention seeking, but realized so many of us struggle alone, and we don’t have to if we just open up in our own ways. The decision to release the show digitally was last minute too. Originally, I wanted to print this work huge, and have a traditional show in a gallery. I realized I could still create a space for discussion and support to viewers who may still be too worried to admit their own struggles, and feel supported wherever they are. By choosing to do all self-portraits—I was hoping people could feel less alone.

Well that’s why we can’t get enough. You say so much in these images, and with your explanations, we see how layered it all can be for you. You’re very abstract, wouldn’t you say? 

Kat Alyst: Sometimes a little too abstract, I would say (laughing). It’s been a good challenge though to start with abstract combos of colors and seeing how it felt to create a literal life for them. With “how to disappear” and “caught pink-handed” I know I did that too. Oh, and “blues-colored shades” as well. 

Gorgeous… just really, you created visual poetry with all of these. 

Kat Alyst: Thank you so much. 

Where are you, and what’s next? Coming to the UK ASAP?  

Kat Alyst: (laughing) I wish I could book the flight right now. I am going to shake off the sleepy week I just had, and I’ve been sketching new ideas daily. So yeah… More art is next. I’m really excited.  I’m in Texas… Los Angeles next… maybe New York.

Wonderful. Is purchasing your work available? Is there a wait list? Who are your people?

Kat Alyst: Purchasing is possible! I won’t make anyone wait (laughing). I will say, “bed rest” had multiple prints made at one point before the show released. I raised money for a mental-health fundraiser, but prints will no longer be reproduced more than once. I want to treat them like paintings going forward. They are priced on Artsy.com through The Shockboxx Gallery.

And where is this gallery located? 

Kat Alyst: ShockBoxx is in Hermosa Beach just south of Los Angeles and can be contacted directly through here. I’m also continuing to donate a percentage of the sales to various non-profits catering to mental-health, counseling, and support.

You are just such a doll. Where can our readers find you online? 

Kat Alyst: I’m @katinthecloudz on social media, and my main site www.mynameiskat.com is always updated, or the digital show can be viewed at www.someoneistryingtotellyousomething.com.

Kat, hun, we love you, we really do. You’re charismatic and lovely to talk to. Thank you so much for what you’re doing, and we wish you nothing but the absolute best.