Cosmetics#1: Genesis Breyer P-Orridge

Cosmetics#1: Genesis Breyer P-Orridge

The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye documented the ‘pandrogyne’ project of husband and wife genesis P-Orridge and Lady Jaye Breyer as they underwent cosmetic procedures in order to become the pandrogyne entity known as Breyer P-Orridge. This entity has continued to exist beyond the death of Lady Jaye in 2007. This visionary project tests the boundaries of gender and refutes essentialist readings of identity. As a piece of performance art, this work is read in the context of similar body modification artists including Orlan, who appears in the film. The boundaries of identity, gender and beauty are troubled by this project, which is at once political, personal and aesthetic.  – LJ