Critical texts by Kim Gordon brought together for the first time.
Throughout the 1980s and early '90s, Kim Gordon—widely known as a founding member of the influential band
Sonic Youth—produced a series of writings on art and music. Ranging from neo-Conceptual artworks to broader forms of cultural criticism, these rare texts are brought together in this volume for the first time, placing Gordon's writing within the context of the artist-critics of her generation, including
Mike Kelley,
John Miller, and
Dan Graham. In addressing key stakes within contemporary art, architecture, music, and the performance of male and female gender roles, Gordon provides a prescient analysis of such figures as
Kelley, Glenn Branca,
Rhys Chatham,
Tony Oursler, and
Raymond Pettibon, in addition to reflecting on her own position as a woman on stage. The result—
Is It My Body?—is a collection that feels as timely now as when it was written. This volume additionally features a conversation between Gordon and
Jutta Koether, in which they discuss their collaborations in art, music, and performance.
Kim Gordon (born 1953 in Rochester) is an American musician, singer and songwriter, best known as the bassist, guitarist, and vocalist of
Sonic Youth,
which she formed with Thurston Moore, Lee Renaldo and Richard Edson in 1981.
After graduating from the Otis College of Art and Design in L.A. she moved to New York, and worked for several Soho art galleries in the early 1980s. At Jo Bear's request she compiled an exhibition for his new White Columns gallery in 1982.
Mike Kelley and
Tony Oursler were participants.
Dan Graham invited her to join a performance of an all female rock band, which marked the start of her first band, CJM.
In addition to her work as a musician, Gordon has had ventures in record producing, fashion (X-Girl), writing, acting, directing and has worked consistently as a visual artist throughout her musical career. Gordon is also a founding member of the musical project Free Kitten, which she formed with Julia Cafritz in 1993.
