In the book, Roelofs combines philosophy with analyses of literature, performance, film and visual art. Contemporary feminist writers, filmmakers and artists from Latin America take centre stage. Engaging their work, the professor shows how aesthetic imagination can contribute to reshaping self-images, cities and nations.

Thinking and feeling differently

The book concerns the ‘strange’ in these creators’ art, explains Roelofs: ‘The unusual, the unexpected, the extraordinary – things we do not immediately grasp or have words for. This can be uncomfortable and unsettling, but it can also free up the imagination. It brings to light unforeseen pleasures and remarkable kinds of play. It teaches us to look beyond certain Eurocentric and anthropocentric ideas, and to let go of given gender norms.’

Feminist, queer and decolonial artists make extensive use of strangeness in their art, observes Roelofs. ‘By employing “strange” tastes, they embark on untried paths and bring into being exceptional forms of imagination. In this way, they challenge the public to feel and think a little differently. Public space takes on an unexpected twist. We become curious and start to invent new stories.’

Book launch on 16 June

On 16 June, Strange Tastes will be launched at the University Library of the University of Amsterdam. In two panel discussions, researchers in the fields of art, literature and philosophy will join Monique Roelofs to further explore the book’s themes.

Header image: Consuelo Jimenez Underwood, Everything All at Once, 2024. Mixed media installation, Oakland Museum of California.