Interview: Madelina Horn (The Profane Exhibit)

What do you think the relationship is between sex and horror?

MH: They both play on the same idea of taboos + boundary pushing. They both attract the same kind of curiosity from the hearts of humanity. Since society is still largely based on religious moral standards, we see both sex + violence as taboo + wrong, yet are instinctively drawn to them, thus getting a rush from seeking out such naughtiness. Both sexuality + the macabre are very close to my heart as an artist.

One trend I’ve noticed lately is sexually explicit horror films like David Quitmeyer’s Slaughter Disc, and sexually explicit horror parodies, such as The Re-Penetrator. Sex and horror have always been closely related, but the trend of p*rnographic horror is  relatively new- what do you think of this?

MH: As a blood fetishist, I love the idea of it. However, I have yet to see a well done horror p*rn. Quality is rarely a concern in p*rnographic film, however if someone were to do this under the budget of a “real” film, I’m sure I would greatly enjoy it.

Can you tell me about the new photography book? How do that come about- were you looking for a photographer or was that photographer looking for a subject or is this something that the two of you came up with together?

MH: Michael Scorpio, the photographer, is my long time business partner. We have been working together on shows, photoshoots, video, + art of all kinds since 2008. The publisher approached me about doing a book + it seemed natural that my first book be of my work with Michael. I feel our work together is both of our best. We really understand each other’s visions. That kind of connection is rare + I’m so lucky to have him.

Is the photographer important? I’m certainly not going to buy it because of him! Or are some photographers better than others at bringing out your erotic allure?

MH: For me the chemistry with a photographer is very important. I don’t like work with photographers who are heavily directorial. As a model + an artist, it’s important for me to be able to do my work too, as I know my body + my angles very well. As far as Michael Scorpio specifically, I work better with him than anyone else. We have off days of course but when we get really inspired about a photoshoot, it’s like magic. We really feed off each others’ energy. I was the first model he ever shot + to have worked so closely with him as he was developing into what he has become now was an amazing experience. I’m sure we’ll still be doing something creatively together when we’re 80 years old… although probably not erotic photos.

What is The Profane Exhibit, and how did you get involved?

MH: The Profane Exhibit is an anthology horror film that I have had the pleasure to act in. I star in the segment called Manna, directed by Michael Todd Schneider. I can’t really say too much about it but with so many interesting industry people involved, I think this film might very well become one of the most ground-breaking cult films of all time. I actually got involved by accident. I went to visit the set for fun + when I showed up the lead actress had bailed out + they asked me to take her place. I was reluctant at first because I am not an actress, I don’t have the patience for feature film but I’m so glad I did it now that I see how it’s all unfolding. It’s a project that is going to make a lot of people questions what is acceptable in film. I love to create controversy + push boundaries.

What was it like to work with director Michael Todd Schneider?

MH: It was great! He’s very relaxed + easy going, although he is determined to get the shot + very focused. You can tell he really loves to direct + there’s nothing better than working with someone who is inspired.

He has made some very extreme and disturbing films, and is responsible for perhaps the most depraved film ever made, August Underground’s Mordum- where you worried about acting in one of his films?

MH: The first time I saw August Underground was at a friend’s place. They had downloaded a set of films entitled “the sickest horror films of all time” or something along those lines. As we began watching it, a couple of the people we were watching it with wanted to shut it off, because they started to think it might be real, I of course wanted to see more. Soon after of course I found the title of this film + some of the background. When I heard Maggot was going to be the director for the Manna piece I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t have one thought of apprehension, that kind of controversy is what I’m into.

Manda Manuel made her debut in this film- what did you think of her performance and do you think we’ll be seeing her again in more films?

MH: I hope thia leads to more work for her. She was great to work with, very enthusiatic! We had great chemistry + she’s a very sweet girl.

What current project (s) are you working on now, and what about for the future?

MH: I have a few things on the go. I am of course always working on my shows. I am off to LA + have a few business meeting that could turn into big things. I am a dominatrix on the side so I have been doing that, I am booked with a slave full time in Sept. I will be performing the Calgary Alberta Bound Tattoo Arts Convention mid October which I think will be a really fun weekend. Other than the show business stuff I am in the beginning stages of writing a spiritual philosophy book of my understanding of the left hand path. It’s in its brainstorming form right now but I am excited to put out a comprehensive book on this since I don’t think there are enough options for this choice of belief. Certainly not everyone falls into LaVey’s ideas.

Do you have a preference between working in modeling or working in film? Do you work in other mediums, and are you interested in working in other mediums , such as theatre or singing?

MH: My first love is performance art. Everything I do is so I can be onstage. I create every aspect of my shows, of course with the help of my amazing costume designer, Elise of Sweet Carousel. I do love modelling, I consider myself a work of art in progress always I suppose. I love expressing my ideas + inspiration through this body. The female body is so beautiful, I am blessed with one + want to use it. Other than that, I write poetry, I’d like to paint if I ever slow down enough to get the time. Acting isn’t something I’m really interested in pursuing. If a role finds me than sure but you won;t find me at an audition anytime soon.

What are some of your favorite personal performances?

MH: My favorite performance was my one time show called Ritual, I performed a sacred pagan rite onstage, I used, drank, + writhed around in real human blood. There are things I would tweek about it now but at the time is was groundbreaking, shocking, + very dark. I am a blood fetishist so this was very close to my heart.

What influenced you? When did you decide you wanted to work in the arts?

MH: It was never a decision nor a question. I always preferred creativity over formulas. It morphed from painter, musician, photographer, model, stripper, to whatever I have become now neo burlesque, sideshow, circus, erotic performance artist.

What is the worst part about working in the film industry?

MH: I am the most impatient person ever. Film is a lot of waiting around, A LOT! I don’t the patient for a career like that. I greatly respect those who do.

Some of our readers are interested in pursuing a career like yours, do you have any recommendations? Do you use an agent, or do you work freelance, or a  combination? How important is it to have an agent if you want a career in modeling and/or film?

MH: My recommendation is that if you can do something else, do it. The entertainment industry takes 100% commitment + you always have to be ready for any opportunity. It’s not a job you can go home from at the end of the day. Sometimes I’m still working when I go to bed, I’ll wake up in the middle of the night with an idea for a show, a paragraph for my book, an important email I forgot to send. I have been developing this career since I was about 17 years old. The amount of alternative models trying to make a name for themselves on Facebook nowadays saddens me. This undermines the true pioneers of this art… when it truely was an art. That also goes for burlesque performers, photographers, or any other bandwagon people are jumping of for a cheap grasp at fame or just popularity. That being said if you truly are an artist + the thought of not living your dreams makes you contemplate suicide than follow your heart, surround yourself with successful people, + don’t let your ego get involved.

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Interview: Madelina Horn (The Profane Exhibit)