Mary Wigman: desconhecer para conhecer-se, um olhar feminista

Abstract

This Master's research aims to propose an analysis of the work of German dance artist Mary Wigman (1886–1973), considered one of the founders of German dance of expression. Grounded in feminist theories and a thorough literature review, the research hypothesis is that Wigman's work reveals potential points of convergence with feminist thought, enabling deeper reflections on the body and dance. Through these connections, the study seeks to understand how Wigman’s work engages with issues of gender and corporeality, which are central to feminist thinking. The research is primarily supported by the contributions of authors such as Silvia Federici, along with Wigman’s own writings, in which she documented her reflections on dance and her artistic practice in books and documentaries. The methodological approach also includes an analysis of excerpts from Wigman’s performances available on virtual platforms, contemporary reenactments of her works, and descriptions of performances recorded in biographies and other bibliographic materials. These records, often supplemented by photographs, are essential for capturing nuances of her artistic creations.Finally, Wigman's legacy was investigated as a dynamic construction, marked by relationships, transformations, and reinterpretations by artists who were directly or indirectly influenced by her. Exploring the intersection between dance and feminism broadens the understanding of artistic and theoretical practices, offering new perspectives on Mary Wigman's legacy. By bridging the fields of dance and feminist theories, this study aims to contribute to broader debates on body autonomy and the construction of feminine subjectivities within the arts.