Interview Directory 

ART

Name: Chloë Cassens

Occupation: US writer, representative Severin Wunderman Collection

Residence: L.A.

Philippe Halsman Jean Cocteau, New York, USA. 1949 © Philippe Halsman / Magnum Photos

"The most important to him was beauty in art, and I think he always was attracted to the beauty of Cocteau’s art."

Did your grandfather Séverin Wunderman and Jean Cocteau ever meet?

Severin never had the chance to meet Cocteau. 

Why was your grandfather so attracted to Cocteau's work?

This is the question of my life! I have a new answer each day. My grandfather had an eye naturally predisposed towards beauty, whether it was towards beautiful women, homes, design, et cetera. But the most important to him was beauty in art, and I think he always was attracted to the beauty of Cocteau’s art. There was something in it that seemed to speak directly to him. 

Why is Cocteau's work so relevant today?

The people who are truly ahead of the pack and breaking the mold are never really accepted in the moment, and Cocteau was truly that. He lived his life in a way that broke boundaries and, unlike many others, didn’t hide it. Because of that, he did not have an easy go of it. Even today, I see how people react to his work, and realize that it is still of a future time that we have yet to reach. 

You describe SACRED MONSTER as "a celebrity whose eccentricities or indiscretions are easily forgiven by admirers."

Yes. I think that the concept of a “Sacred Monster” is super interesting, in part because I’m not sure that they really exist anymore; social media has made public figures and celebrities too accessible, in a way. With SACRED MONSTER, I explore this concept, while also delving into Cocteau’s oeuvre. 

Jean Cocteau: Oedipus, or, the Crossing of Three Roads (Œdipe ou le carrefour des trois routes) 1951 Private Collection, © Adagp/Comité Cocteau, Paris, by SIAE 2024

"It takes a real visionary to see opportunities like that. If we all could, then we would."

You write that your grandfather could see what others could not?

Yes. I think he could see things that the rest of us could not. Severin pioneered the concept of the fashion watch – a timepiece that filled a gap in the market between entry and luxury, that also offered a way for people to connect to Gucci at a price point that was not prohibitive. Today, these types of products are offered by all of the major luxury brands, but Severin was one of the first (perhaps the only other example was Chanel’s N. 5 perfume). It takes a real visionary to see opportunities like that. If we all could, then we would. 

What do you admire about your grandfather?

His passion. Severin was an extraordinarily passionate man. Yes, he cared so much about his collection, but he cared enormously about his children and grandchildren. He always took care of us. He was passionate about philanthropy, and gave away more cents of each dollar he earned than he kept. He never did anything in half measure. I feel like today, it’s not seen as ‘chic’ to be passionate about the things you love, and that’s a shame. We should all be more like Severin in this way! 

Did you adopt any of his philosophies?

Yes, I did, and there are so many qualities of his that live in myself and my family. Severin’s birthday was the 19 of November, and mine is the 20th, making us both Scorpios, born a day apart. He used to tell me that he was the “Big Scorpion,” and I was the “Little Scorpion.” He’d remind me that, in nature, little scorpions are the most dangerous ones, as their poisons are more lethal. 

“Following a path that didn’t involve art and philosophy in some way would just be unnatural for me, I think.“

How did your path into art and philosophy begin?

In some ways, I was born into it, growing up in a home filled with so much spectacular art and antiques. In other ways, I came to it myself – I always had an interest in culture, always (and still today) could be found reading a book alone in a corner. My first job was at a rock club called The Roxy which is on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, and I worked in music for a long time. Following a path that didn’t involve art and philosophy in some way would just be unnatural for me, I think. 

Aside from SACRED MONSTER, what else are you focused on? 

I’m always focused on educating and celebrating the legacies of Severin Wunderman and Jean Cocteau! Whether it’s via SACRED MONSTER, or through guest lectures and public speaking, I never run out of things to talk about when it comes to this subject. 

Jean Cocteau, Illustrated Letter, Portrait of Peggy Guggenheim s.d. (1956 c.) Private collection, © Adagp/Comité Cocteau, Paris, by SIAE 2024

Jean Cocteau, Fear Giving Wings to Courage (La Peur donnant des ailes au courage) 1938,Collection of Phoenix Art Museum, Gift of Mr. Cornelius Ruxton Love Jr, © Adagp/Comité Cocteau, Paris, by SIAE 2024

©Keenan Reed