In a thought-provoking conversation with philosopher and writer Leonardo Caffo, Paul B. Preciado, a renowned Spanish philosopher, writer, and curator, delves into the intricacies of his latest project, a film titled Orlando: My Political Biography. This cinematic endeavor marks a departure from Preciado’s traditional medium of written philosophy, as he seeks to explore the concept of queerness and its relationship to identity, politics, and the human experience. By embracing the fluidity of film, Preciado aims to challenge the rigid structures of traditional philosophy and academia, which he believes have become stifling and ineffective in promoting meaningful change.
Preciado’s work has long been characterized by its bold experimentation with genre and medium, reflecting his commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and understanding. His transition from written philosophy to film is, in itself, a queer act, one that seeks to subvert the norms of traditional academic discourse and engage with a broader audience. Through his film, Preciado invites viewers to inhabit a “liquid world” where identities are fluid and subjectivity is constantly in flux. This vision is deeply rooted in his concept of “anti-ontology,” which seeks to liberate individuals from the violence of imposed identities and rigid categorizations.
The conversation also touches on Preciado’s personal journey, including his transition from Beatriz to Paul, and how this experience has informed his critical examination of binary systems and traditional concepts of nature and culture. His work has been influenced by thinkers like Judith Butler and Michel Foucault, and he has become a leading figure in the study of body politics, pharmacology, and queer theory. Preciado’s philosophy is characterized by its emphasis on the poetic gaze, which seeks to reincarnate the world and observe things differently, giving them a new form, delicacy, and substance that challenges the belligerent and violent language of daily reality.
As the conversation unfolds, Preciado and Caffo discuss the intersections between queerness, identity, and politics, highlighting the need to move beyond the boundaries of new identities and question the very concept of identity itself. This is particularly relevant in the context of current global events, where issues of identity and territorial possession are often at the forefront of conflict. Preciado emphasizes the importance of defending democracy and promoting a more inclusive and fluid understanding of identity, one that recognizes the complexity and diversity of human experience.
Ultimately, Preciado’s film and philosophy offer a powerful vision of a world where individuals are free to be whatever they want, without the constraints of rigid identities or categorizations. This vision is rooted in a deep commitment to liberation, experimentation, and the poetic gaze, and it challenges viewers to rethink their assumptions about identity, politics, and the human experience. As Preciado notes, “The most important thing for me is the poetic gaze, the one with which to reincarnate the world and observe things differently.” By embracing this gaze, we may yet create a world that is more just, more compassionate, and more beautiful.
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