Resumo

CEJUDO-ESCAMILLA, Sonia. The Performative Body of Regina José Galindo: Gender and Desire in Her 2012 Presentations. LiminaR [online]. 2019, vol.17, n.1, pp.158-167. ISSN 2007-8900.  https://doi.org/10.29043/liminar.v17i1.652.

In this paper, I discuss the 2012 performances of Regina José Galindo, using Mieke Bal’s concept of theoretical object as a benchmark. An initial observation of her performances reveals that they do not denounce gender violence, as is common in her work. Yet, this apparent absence allows me to delve deeper into the relationship between performance, performativity, gender, sex, and desire. Galindo’s presentations are examples of Judith Butler’s argument that sex is as culturally constructed as gender. We also see that the spectator plays an active role in gender performativity. Finally, turning to Audre Lorde’s definition of the erotic as power, I conclude that desire is not only an unconscious impulse, but also a thoughtful act that involves the spectator in the search for social justice.

Palavras-chave : gender; performance; performativity; body; desire; eroticism.