im/possible bodies

The “Sexual Revolution” was born fifty years ago this year, and with it came a lasting, fundamental process of liberalisation which continues today – from the introduction of the birth control pill to the legalisation of same-sex marriages. With each new development, heated public debate always followed. In metropolitan cities, queer lifestyles have become established and continue to enjoy a growing following. But according to the project “im/possible bodies”, this development masks other forms of widespread discrimination, for example, against transgender people. Despite unarguable success stories, sexual liberalisation is largely limited to white, heterosexual Westerners and rarely applies to minorities. Indeed, very little focus has been placed on the reciprocal relationship between heteronormativity and colonialism, as well as other related forms of societal heteronomy. This is where the project “im/possible bodies” began; it lent a voice to those who are marginalised and overlooked, those who are queer, black and of colour. The project hoped to generate long-term artistic dialogue in dance and performance which highlights and artistically presents the body as a stage of social and colonial confrontation. Starting in December 2017, the project has hosted several artists’ conferences, residencies and art presentations at the Künstlerhaus Mousonturm and other venues in Frankfurt am Main and Birmingham. The main event of the project, the “im/possible bodies” festival and follow-up symposium, took place in April 2018.

Artistic director: Elisa Liepsch
Artists: niv Acosta (US), Fannie Sosa (AR), Simone Dede Ayivi, Nuray Demir/ Tümay Kılınçel, Danny Banany, Andrez/Barra/Caio/Fernanda/Gui/Iaci/Luiz/Tereza (BR), Last Yearz Interesting Negro (UK), Jaamil Olawale Kosoko (US), Aaron Wright (UK) and others