“Biopower, for him, refers to “the set of mechanisms through which the basic biological features of the human species become the object of a political strategy, of a general strategy of power.”39 […] Foucault does not consider the debates and practices governing the treatment of indigenous peoples and, shortly afterward, African slaves. These preview the governing of populations through the implementation of racialized categories that become central to biopower.41” (Taylor, 115).
“Rabinal Achi made it clear—the humiliation and degradation of one’s opponent, now coterminous with indiscriminate violence, wrecks the entire social fabric into the future” (Taylor, 118).
“I think she would agree with Ricardo Dominguez that “activists break the law, while artists change the conversation theatrically, by disturbing the law.” But Galindo also wants to avoid the romanticism of those who struggle for social justice. And unlike activists, she does not believe that it’s crucial (or perhaps even possible) for her to change the system of power” (Taylor, 125).
Infiltrado/Infiltrated: Regina José Galindo was invited to participate in Horror vacuia, a group show of young Guatemalan artists around the theme of denunciation who intervened in a society marked by criminal violence. Galindo payed an intelligence officer who prepared a dossier about each artist containing personal data, which she presented in Infiltrado.
The Truth: I found the choice of the dentist interesting in the way the performance shows how medical/healthcare, something that is meant to support a patient, can interfere in their free speech/choice. It ties to discussions about abortion laws etc.
Taylor, Diana. 2020. "Making Presence" ¡Presente!: The Politics of Presence. 105-126. New York University: Duke University Press,