Sisuteksti

Sisuteksti refers to a fictional narrative device credited to Icelandic author Sjón. It can be translated to "corporeal texts" or "flesh texts". Sisuteksti proposes an artistic practice that consists of writing stories, often in verse or prose, directly onto the body of the performer. This can include tattoos, scars, or other forms of physical inscription.

In its essence, sisuteksti is a postmodern take on the relationship between text and body, as well as the traditional notion of what constitutes a work of art. By directly translating the story onto the performer's skin, the narrative blurs the boundaries between subject and object, turning the reader or onlooker into a co-creator of the narrative experience.

Sjón initially developed the concept in the 1970s, exploring the potential of sisuteksti as a way to bypass traditional methods of storytelling. The artist has since applied the concept to various forms of performance art, including spoken word, music, and theater. Supporters of sisuteksti argue that its experimental approach offers a fresh perspective on the possibilities of narrative and the role of the storyteller.

Critics point out that sisuteksti raises questions about the representational value of the human body as canvas and the problematic aspects of transforming the body into a work of art. Additionally, some have raised concerns about the performative aspect of sisuteksti, questioning the nature of consent and agency in a practice that so intimately blurs the artist's and the performer's roles.