Genesis P-Orridge: A Life Unbound

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Genesis P-Orridge: A Cosmic Suitcase Packed wiht Rebellion and Revelation

In the twilight of a life lived with audacious defiance, Genesis P-Orridge, the enigmatic figurehead of industrial music and counter-culture, emerges once more, not from the shadows, but from the intensely personal lens of director Yony Rodrigues’ documentary, S/he Is Still Her/e. This film, pieced together in the final months of P-Orridge’s battle with leukemia, offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into a consciousness that refused to be contained by conventional definitions of self, gender, or genre.

Rodrigues captures P-Orridge in her New york element-still sharp, still philosophical, and defiantly topless-engaged in a final, intimate dialog. “The body is a cheap suitcase for consciousness,” P-Orridge muses, as the camera traces the landscape of her skin, a living canvas etched with tattoos and scars, each a testament to a life journeying through time, space, and the uncharted territories of the psyche. This “suitcase,” however, is far from ordinary. It’s a testament to radical self-invention, famously bolstered by extensive cosmetic surgery-a significant portion funded by a lawsuit against Rick Rubin following a studio fire. The result is a presence that defies easy categorization, a potent blend of the primal and the provocative, embodying what some have described as a “nightmare teenager of ’70s” or a modern-day, post-gender saint.

The documentary navigates the electrifying, and at times volatile, expanse of P-Orridge’s artistic evolution. from the “magic approach to sound” championed in COUM and Throbbing Gristle, a period where radical ideas sometimes collided with brutal, industrial manifestations, the film doesn’t shy away from the shadows. A stark, silent interlude confronts the accusations of controlling and aggressive behavior leveled by former collaborator Cosey Fanni Tutti in her memoir, a moment P-Orridge denied. The refusal of Tutti to comment further leaves a palpable void, a somber reminder of the complex interpersonal dynamics that often accompanied such groundbreaking artistic exploration.

Yet, the narrative pushes forward, charting the course through Psychic TV’s ’80s explorations, the San Francisco rave scene of the ’90s, and a 21st-century resurgence that culminated in the profound connection with Lady Jaye, a dominatrix whose presence illuminated P-Orridge’s lifelong quest for a muse and a soulmate.

While other works, like the BBC’s 2020 oral history Other, Like me, delve deeper into the sonic experimentation of P-Orridge’s early projects, S/he Is Still Her/e stands as an unparalleled portrait of a singular, unrepeatable individual. It’s a testament to a life that embraced paradox, where every setback-exile, imprisonment, life-altering injuries-was transmuted into an advantage, allowing our subject to consistently emerge from adversity stronger and more self-defined. In an era where individual freedoms are increasingly scrutinized, Genesis P-Orridge’s unwavering commitment to a life lived experimentally, fearlessly, and authentically resonates with a potent, almost prophetic, urgency.

For those eager to delve into the extraordinary life of Genesis P-Orridge, further screening details for S/he Is Still Her/e can be found on the Doc’N Roll website.

How did Genesis P-Orridge’s early experiences with COUM Transmissions shape his approach to artistic expression in Throbbing Gristle?

Early Years & COUM Transmissions (1950-1978)

Genesis P-Orridge, born Neil Andrew Megson in 1950, wasn’t simply a musician; he was a cultural provocateur. His artistic journey began in the early 1970s with COUM Transmissions, a performance art group notorious for pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. COUM, an acronym for “Communications Other Unified Mankind,” wasn’t about melody or conventional aesthetics. It was about transgression,exploring themes of control,sexuality,and the body through often shocking and deliberately confrontational performances.

Performance Art Roots: COUM’s work involved everything from public displays of simulated surgery to utilizing found objects and industrial noise.

Intentional Discomfort: The goal wasn’t entertainment, but to provoke a reaction, to force audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and their society.

Early Influences: Dadaism, Situationism, and the burgeoning punk scene heavily influenced COUM’s aesthetic and ideology.

This period established P-Orridge’s reputation as a radical artist, laying the groundwork for his future explorations in music and beyond. The group’s notoriety, though, also attracted unwanted attention, including scrutiny from authorities and moral panic from the press.

Throbbing Gristle & Industrial Music’s Genesis (1975-1981)

From the ashes of COUM Transmissions arose Throbbing Gristle (TG), arguably the most influential band in the history of industrial music. Formed in 1975 with Cosey Fanni Tutti, Chris & Cosey, and Peter “Sleazy” christopherson, TG took the confrontational spirit of COUM and channeled it into sound.

Defining Industrial: TG pioneered the use of synthesizers, tape loops, and found sounds to create a harsh, dystopian soundscape. their music wasn’t designed to be “pleasant”; it was meant to be unsettling, challenging, and reflective of the anxieties of the era.

Industrial Records: The band also founded Industrial Records,a label that became synonymous with the burgeoning industrial scene,releasing music by a diverse range of artists.

Key Albums: The Second long Play (1978) and D.O.N. (Discipline Of Noise) (1979) are considered cornerstones of the genre.

Tactical Communication: TG’s use of sampling and manipulation of audio foreshadowed many techniques used in modern electronic music.

Throbbing Gristle’s impact extended beyond music. They established a DIY ethos, a commitment to artistic independence, and a willingness to experiment that continues to inspire artists today.

Psychic TV & The Exploration of Chaos Magic (1982-1990s)

Following the initial dissolution of Throbbing Gristle in 1981, P-Orridge formed Psychic TV, a project that saw him delve even deeper into esoteric practices, particularly chaos magic. Psychic TV’s music was more diverse than TG’s, incorporating elements of electronic, world music, and performance art.

Chaos Magic & Art: P-Orridge became a prominent figure in the chaos magic movement,believing in the power of belief and intention to shape reality. This philosophy heavily influenced Psychic TV’s performances and recordings.

Thee Temple Ov Psychic Youth (TOPY): He established TOPY, a network of artists and occultists dedicated to exploring and practicing chaos magic. TOPY became a controversial association, attracting both followers and detractors.

musical Diversity: Psychic TV’s albums like Dreamachine (1983) and Condition of Decay (1984) showcased a wider range of sonic textures and lyrical themes.

Controversy & Legal Issues: TOPY’s activities led to legal challenges and accusations of inciting violence,further solidifying P-Orridge’s status as a counter-cultural figure.

This period saw P-Orridge pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and spiritual exploration, frequently enough blurring the lines between reality and illusion.

Later Years & Continued Influence (2000s-2020)

Despite facing health challenges, including diabetes and a stroke, P-Orridge remained artistically active in the 21st century. He reformed Throbbing Gristle in 2004, continuing to tour and release new music.

Throbbing Gristle Reunion: The reunion of TG was met with enthusiasm from fans and critics alike, demonstrating the enduring legacy of the band.

Collaborations: P-Orridge collaborated with a wide range of artists across various genres, including Nine Inch Nails and Blixa Bargeld.

Documentary Film: The 2011 documentary Genesis P-Orridge: Decadence, directed by Paul Cumming,