"A good time"
Katasi constructs nostalgic tableaus of intimate social gatherings using digital collage, placing beautiful black people living their lives and having a good time in the foreground of architecturally magnificent spaces which were oftentimes exclusionary. Her works give the viewer a sense of joy, celebration, and coolness on the surface, with an undertone of reclaimed ownership of space and power.
Each piece is an intimate glimpse into Katasi’s own memories and aspirational versions of herself and her life. The people displayed in each piece are intentionally chosen because she feels connected to them in some way. It could be their smile, their hair, their body language, or what they are doing in the context of the original photo. Oftentimes they elicit a feeling of familiarity, which naturally translates into moments she captures in each scene. They seem familiar to each other and also familiar with the space they are in, making the moment and vibe created feel all too real, like an actual photograph.
As a mixed race first-generation Black American, this series also reflects Katasi’s constant rediscovery of and connection to her own blackness through American culture. In each piece, there are references to the work of other Black American artists, musicians, athletes, and various black cultural references. Katasi sees so much beauty and joy in blackness and wants everyone to see what she has always seen. She hopes this series can take us all somewhere more healing and uplifting.