Claude Cahuns Echoes: Tracing a Poetic and Political Counterculture

For nearly forty years, the French artist Claude Cahun multiplied images of herself to achieve what she called sexual "indefiniteness," creating portraits that are true states of being. By committing her entire existence to a battle against deadly societal norms, Cahun became a major figure of counterculture—influencing artists from Vito Acconci and Lorna Simpson to global voices like Val Souza and Soufiane Ababri.

Beyond disguise or rebellion, Cahun’s work is shaped by fragility: a wavering between self-assertion and pain.

In this lecture, curator and art historian Emilie Houssa explores the paths Cahun invites us to take, drawing connections to Elina Brotherus, Bérangère Fromont, Rafa Bqueer, Cindy Sherman, the Guerrilla Girls, and more. To what extent does Cahun’s poetic and political work engage us today?

Admission is free. Due to limited seating, we ask you to make a reservation in advance.

In cooperation with the Institut français Hamburg