I Want

This publication documents the major film installation I Want (2015) by collaborative artists Pauline Boudry and Renate Lorenz, which was presented at their 2015 solo exhibitions at Kunsthalle Zürich and Nottingham Contemporary.

The double-projection film installation examines issues around gender, sexuality, the performance of identity, and the nature of collaboration. The script, performed by artist Sharon Hayes, borrows texts from American punk-poet Kathy Acker as well as chats and materials by convicted whistle blower; Chelsea Manning that speak of her reasons for
revealing nearly one million secret military and diplomatic documents through WikiLeaks, whilst navigating her transgender identity in the military.


Alongside generous color documentation, there are written contributions by Gregg Bordowitz, Laura Guy, Dean Spade, and Craig Willse that unpack and reflect upon both the historical context and contemporary significance of this multivalent work.