Claude Cahun was born October 25th 1894 in France and passed away December 8th 1954 in the Jersey Channel Islands, Claude was a French artist known for their surreal self-portraits and exploration of gender identity. They challenged traditional ideas of gender, often presenting themselves as both masculine and feminine or somewhere in between. Their photos featured costumes, masks, and striking poses, experimenting with ideas of identity and self-expression.
Claude was also part of the anti-Nazi resistance during World War II, they created anti-German propaganda with their romantical partner, Marcel Moore who was there step sister/siblings. Though their work was mostly forgotten after their death, it was rediscovered in the 1980s and is now seen as a key influence in queer art and gender theory not just in Jersey but around the world.
Claude Cahuns birth name was Lucy Renée Mathilde Schwob, they later adopted the name Claude Cahun to reflect their rejection of gender norms, as “Claude” is a gender-neutral name in French. Claude Cahuns birth name was Lucy Renée Mathilde Schwob, they later adopted the name Claude Cahun to reflect their rejection of gender norms, as “Claude” is a gender-neutral name in French.
Claude’s work was made in order to break gender normality’s showing it could be fluid and ever-changing, it was self expression and a rebellion to the do’s and don’ts not just against gender norms, but also against authority and oppression, they also made some pieces to resist the Nazis during World War II as there partner Marcel Moore was trying to resist the Nazi occupation, it was done with the hope of inspiring others to think freely about who they are and what they stand for.
To do this Claude used self-portraits to challenge ideas about identity and gender. They dressed up in costumes, masks, and bold poses, combining masculine and feminine looks in order to show that identity isn’t fixed at birth.
By constantly changing their appearance, Claude sent a message that who we are isn’t set in stone. Their photos did end up encouraging loads of people globally to question social norms and see identity as something they should and could create for themselves.
This is a satellite photo of Jersey Channel Islands
Claude lived on the island of Jersey during World War II with their partner Marcel Moore. They joined the anti-Nazi resistance, creating secret leaflets to mock and discourage German soldiers.
Claude and Moore were arrested and sentenced to death but were freed when the war ended. Today, they are remembered on Jersey for their bravery and resistance against the Nazis.
This is a piece by Claude Cahun called “Me Myself and I”
**Simple Analysis of Claude Cahun’s “Me, Myself and I” **
Claude Cahun’s “Me, Myself and I” explores identity as fluid and ever-changing. Instead of presenting a single, fixed self, Cahun portrays the self as multiple, complex, and shifting. This directly challenges traditional ideas of gender and personal identity.
Key Themes
- Multiplicity of Self: The title suggests that “self” isn’t singular. Cahun shows different versions of themselves, reflecting how identity is layered and changeable.
- Gender Fluidity: Cahun rejected fixed gender roles, often presenting as both masculine and feminine—or neither. They famously said, “Neuter is the only gender that always suits me.”
- Surrealist Aesthetic: Cahun used costumes, props, and masks to question reality and identity. This links to surrealist ideas about the subconscious and dreams.
- Self as Performance: Like wearing costumes on a stage, Cahun shows that identity is something we “perform” rather than something fixed or natural.
Cahun’s work remains influential today, inspiring modern ideas about gender fluidity, drag culture, and self-expression in art