Audre Lorde “The Uses of the Erotic” – evening reading with Kasia Fudakowski

During the event Kasia Fudakowski will read an essay by Audre Lorde 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒄: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝒂𝒔 𝑷𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 (1978), in which the author redefines the concept of eroticism, showing it as a source of power beyond the stereotypical perception of sexuality.

Lorde proposes treating erotica as a deep, intuitive force that not only connects us to our bodies, but also inspires us to be creative, act and live in accordance with our own desires. In her essay, she criticizes dominant cultural norms that limit women, especially black women, to the role of passive sexual objects, denying them access to the full power of having an authentic relationship with their bodies. Instead of seeing eroticism only in physical terms, she points to its creative potential. She calls for the discovery of eroticism as a path to liberation, emancipation and a deeper connection with one’s own body, desires and intuition.

After reading the text, the artist will invite us to a discussion, referring to two works presented in the exhibition, which deal with the topic of reproductive and sexual energy. We will talk about restrictions, control, but also about emancipation, power and pleasure.

Practical information:

About the artist:

KASIA FUDAKOWSKI (b. 1985, London) – She graduated from the University of Oxford (Ruskin School of Art) in 2006. She lives and works in Berlin. Her artistic practice is diverse and unabashedly playful, encompassing sculpture, film, performance and the written word. Kasia Fudakowski analyses complex social issues through interdisciplinary activities; she also draws on surrealist logic and makes use of comic book theory. Addressing the charm and danger of explicit categorisation and the resulting absurdity that thrives in our political and social environment, Fudakowski’s work reveals the discrepancies between cultural norms. Her work is stretched between horror and comedy. The artist also often becomes the target of her own attacks – she examines her role and the accompanying stereotypes with seriousness and disregard. Fudakowski’s infatuation with failure and her search for new definitions of success has resulted in a series of tragicomic shows and texts.

photo: Alicja Kielan