Projects—Master PPS Performing Public Space

Jun 28

Jun 28 IMPREVISTX: THE NON-BINARY BODY AS PUBLIC SPACE

CLASS 2021/22

My research explores the intertwined threads of queer and decolonial studies by the means of performance and video art. It inquires about the position of the non-binary body and identity as public space through the conception of space as interaction, the epistemology of sexual difference, the cuerpo-territorio theory, and the Latin American pre-colonial cosmovision. These topics are addressed with the creation of a non-binary dramaturgy realized by editing and composing participatory videos of non- gendered body parts. The aim is to find visual and embodied strategies to challenge the concept of the gender binary and to explore the role of the body as a space for social interactions. Furthermore, to question social constructs related to gender and their relation to colonialism.

SPECIAL THANKS

Special and dear thanks to my always encouraging and attentive tutor David, and our teachers Danae and Heleen. To Ulla and Xenia for the amazing organizing work. To my dearest PPS people Flo, Hiba, Laura, Kamila, Jitka, Yannis, Ioannis, and Val for all the support and infinite care. To all the people that trusted and assisted me, and made this process incredibly rich and adventurous Sabrina, Franci, Itzel, Shalom, Nico, Marcos, Dorval, Maryam, Martina, Anano, Bich, Marta, Nicholas, Gio, Simone, and Lorenzo.

CHIARA DE MARCHIS GAROFALO

Chiara is an interdisciplinary and transfeminist artist, working in the field of performance and video art. Their background is in social design and visual communication, they designed projects, co-created, and worked with different NGOs in Italy and Belgium. Their work is based on sensory auto-ethnographic research on the nonbinary body and identity. It aims to transform performative practices of self- determination into rituals through decolonial, queer, and transfeminist lenses. Their artistic interest lies in the interconnectedness between the oppression of gender non- conforming identities and the exploitation of colonised and occupied lands through a communitarian and visual approach.