In an era marked by the echoes of early 20th-century challenges, it may seem surprising that a survival guide could emerge through the lens of modernism. However, recent years have witnessed a resurgence of bold works by modernist creators, ranging from Gabriel Pomerand's vibrant Lettrism to Yi Sang's unique homophonic poetry, and from Leonora Carrington's liberating oneirism to Joyce Mansour's innovative narratives. Together, these contributions form a remarkable arsenal of imaginative resilience.
The latest addition to this collection is Claude Cahun's Cancelled Confessions (Or Disavowals), translated by Susan de Muth and reissued by Siglio Press. Cahun's life and work resist simplistic categorization; even their name is a creative construct, as is that of Cahun's partner, Marcel Moore. These names hint at a fluidity of identity, suggesting that it can be deconstructed and reassembled. Both artists, part of the Paris Surrealist movement, relocated to Jersey in 1937, where they engaged in diverse artistic expressions, including theater, photography, and even anti-Nazi activities, embodying a rich tapestry of creativity and defiance.
Cancelled Confessions itself embodies a refusal--a rejection of the conventional memoir Cahun was initially asked to produce. This decision paved the way for a work filled with limitless creativity. Scholar Amelia Groom highlights in her afterword that Cahun's renowned self-portraits are collaborative creations with Moore, who skillfully captured Cahun in various guises, employing techniques of light and composition. Although Cahun receives credit for the text, Moore's contributions to the photomontages that introduce the book add layers of complexity to the narrative.
The text is a vibrant mosaic, divided into nine sections that explore themes of identity, paradox, and self-reflection. Cahun's work challenges traditional narratives, posing thought-provoking questions about perspective and representation. The playful and innovative language, characterized by puns and a pluralistic approach, showcases Cahun's unique style, often described as angel slang.
Presented in a beautifully designed oxblood-red codex, Cancelled Confessions exemplifies the fusion of art and literature that defines Siglio's publishing ethos. This vital work serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit of survival in the literary world, reminding us that the preservation of such innovative voices relies on the efforts of passionate translators and independent publishers.
Cancelled Confessions (or Disavowals) (2025) by Claude Cahun, translated by Susan de Muth, features a preface by Pierre Mac Orlan and an essay by Amelia Groom, and is available through independent booksellers.