Of Animacy Reading Group reconvenes to discuss Paul B. Preciado’s definition of contemporary capitalism as the pharmaco-pornographic regime.

In the essay ‘The Pharmaco-Pornographic Regime: Sex, Gender and Subjectivity in the Age of Punk Capitalism’, Preciado argues that current modes of capitalist governance are increasingly penetrating our bodies through multifaceted regulation of sex, gender and sexuality. With technologies ranging from cultural to biochemical, cis-heterosexist subjectivities and normative bodies are perpetually produced as the universal standard in the name of efficiency and productivity. Directing the reader to Transgender Studies and Crip Theory for tools to resist the regime, Preciado insists that, in order to critically and consciously self-determine our bodies and subjectivity, we must become aware of the technologies that make us.

Under discussion:

Further reading:

For access to the text and further information on the reading group, please email nella@nellaaarne.art.

Reading the selected text in advance is recommended but not necessary. Printed copies will be available at the gathering and excerpts of the text will be read together to support open discussion.

Of Animacy meets every month at the ICA and is always open to all.