The Bodies We Are (Not)

1. Why did you choose this topic?

The starting point for my book was my interest in utopian body concepts. I was not seeking for a definite utopian body concept for our time; my question was how we can develop an alternative view of the body that emancipates itself from those current Western body discourses that predominantly understand the body as an identity project or as a projection surface for working on one's own self.

2. What new perspectives does your book offer?

In my book, the body is perceived as a sensitive container that becomes a playground for experimental construction, de-construction and re-construction of different temporary body images. This setting not only allows for the integration of those bodily aspects which the logic of self-optimization must reject, it also facilitates the development of alternative desires, interests and imaginations regarding one's own body and self.

3. What makes your topic relevant for current research debates?

Perceiving the body as an identity project implies defining our body and discriminating it from other bodies. Viewing the body as a sensitive container offers a different approach. By allowing for playing and experimenting with different temporary body images, the full diversity of the own body and self can be experienced and tested. Practicing empathy and self-distancing, taking risks and becoming engaged without expectations are key strategies to counteract the current societal imperative of self-enhancement and control.

4. Choose one person you would like to discuss your book with!

I would like to have a coffee with Judith Butler and Cindy Sherman and discuss my book with them.

5. Your book summary in one sentence:

My book offers choreographic strategies for playfully expanding the potentials of the body beyond the neo-liberal logic of optimization and control.