Abjection

Definition

Abjection refers to a complex psychological and social state in which an individual feels a profound sense of rejection or alienation from society or oneself. It is often associated with feelings of disgust and repulsion, particularly in relation to the body and bodily experiences. This term is significant in performance art, as artists frequently engage with themes of abjection to challenge societal norms and provoke emotional responses from their audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Abjection can manifest in performance art through the use of visceral materials or actions that provoke feelings of discomfort and unease in the audience.
2. Artists like Marina Abramović and Orlan have utilized abject themes to confront viewers with their own discomfort and challenge societal standards regarding the body.
3. The concept of abjection is closely linked to the theories of Julia Kristeva, who emphasized how it relates to identity formation and the rejection of the 'other' within ourselves.
4. Engaging with abjection in performance art often aims to disrupt traditional boundaries between the self and the other, revealing the fragility of identity.
5. Abjection serves as a powerful tool for commentary on social issues, as it forces audiences to confront uncomfortable realities about their own existence and societal structures.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of abjection influence the way performance artists create and present their work?
  • Abjection influences performance artists by encouraging them to explore themes that evoke discomfort and challenge societal norms. Artists often use physicality, visceral materials, and shocking actions to confront audiences with their own reactions to what is deemed unacceptable. This engagement with abjection can lead to a deeper understanding of personal and collective identities, as it pushes viewers to reflect on their feelings of disgust, rejection, and alienation.
• In what ways does abjection relate to broader societal issues depicted in performance art?
  • Abjection relates to broader societal issues by highlighting themes of marginalization, identity politics, and bodily autonomy. Performance art that engages with abject themes often serves as a critique of societal standards that dictate how bodies should look or behave. By presenting works that evoke disgust or discomfort, artists challenge these norms and invite audiences to question their own perceptions of normality and acceptance within society.
• Evaluate how the use of abjection in performance art can lead to transformative experiences for both the artist and the audience.
  • The use of abjection in performance art can lead to transformative experiences by facilitating an encounter with uncomfortable truths about identity, society, and the body. For artists, engaging with abject themes allows them to explore their own vulnerabilities and push creative boundaries. For audiences, experiencing abject performances can evoke intense emotional reactions that prompt self-reflection and discussion about personal biases and societal norms. This shared confrontation with discomfort creates a space for dialogue and potentially fosters empathy and understanding between individuals.

Related terms

Otherness: A concept that describes the experience of being different or marginalized from the dominant group, often leading to feelings of alienation.

Body Politics: The ways in which bodies are regulated, controlled, and represented within society, often highlighting issues of power and identity.

Disgust: An emotional response characterized by aversion or repulsion, often triggered by experiences or stimuli deemed socially unacceptable or taboo.