Editor’s note: In this issue, we’re thrilled to publish one excerpt (in two parts) from the newly revised translation of Cancelled Confessions (or Disavowals) by the late artist Claude Cahun. Originally published in 1930 by anti-fascist, avant-garde publisher Éditions du Carrefour in Paris as Aveux non Avenus, this book is part memoir, part manifesto, and full artist statement. Rather than examining the self, as a traditional memoir might, Cahun questions identity, selfhood, and the many masks we wear in order to exist in contemporary society. Though the book was written almost 100 years ago, Cahun’s reflections, rage, and sense of humor remain almost eerily prescient in our current political and social climate. This version of the book is translated from the French by Susan de Muth.

We shared the first half of section “V” last week, and below we present the second half.

 

Cancelled Confessions (or Disavowells) is currently available from Siglio Press.