Meet the 22-year-old artist Hatti Rees, along with their internet alter egos Aunt Petunia and Guttergirl
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“I’m obsessed with women who are never the protagonist,” says 22-year-old artist and CSM fashion student Hatti Rees. “The nonsensical aunt, the lonely child, the women who lose their minds. They never have a main role but to me they are the leads.”
Growing up in Bath, Hatti spent most of their childhood in their own world, playing with their imaginary friends under the supervision of their mum, who was an artist. “My family is quite unusual and I grew up with lots of strange, eccentric women around me, which has shaped me massively. I think this is where I first became obsessed with characters. My mum made a film about my first imaginary friend Perry when I was about six.”
As they got older, Hatti’s fascination with the forgotten woman manifested itself into alter-egos who inhabit their mental space and whose different personalities they explore through fashion and film. “Dressing up and pretending to be people sort of happened every day. I would write novels about them. I'm kind of like a succubus. I subconsciously absorb everything around me and this information forms my alter egos.”
Take Aunt Petunia, Hatti’s main alter ego – a grotesque version of that Auntie we all know. She’s loud, she’s brash and she’s unforgiving. Then there’s Guttergirl – a weird street gremlin and half lizard creature inspired by the grime and decay of New York City. “I feel peaceful and powerful when I channel these women. I'm really excited for my final collection so I can bring them to life with all their unique references and really get a chance to clearly show people exactly who I am.”
God - or let's just say a higher power of some sort - is only letting who they follow on Instagram into the afterlife. What kind of pic would you put up that perfectly sums you up as the person you were back on Earth?
Can I turn into a bird and fly away instead?
You’ve opted to be cryogenically frozen in hopes of continuing the human race. When you’re awoken it’ll be your responsibility to kick-start the breeding. How will you wear your hair on your first date?
That is literally my worst nightmare! I'd rather just die!
It’s the year 2100. You’re the owner of the largest beauty tech company in the world, what five products or treatments will you dedicate your resources trying to invent?
Immediate acne analysis – identifying and resolving skin problems on the spot. Instant nose job. Changing eye colours. The ultimate Radiant Glow. Laser printed tattoos.
You’ve had an accident which causes you to lose your sense of smell. The doctors can’t return it fully but can give you the ability to smell one scent. What do you pick and why?
Basil. My sweet, sweet friend I love you.