Marcia Markovic, graduate of the University Master's Degree in Research in Art and Design (MURAD) and PhD student of the itinerary of Research in Design and Art of EINA, attached to the Doctoral Programme of Philosophy of the UAB, has publicly presented her thesis "The Vocal Void: A Phenomenological Exploration of Afro-Indigenous Femme Identities in the Hispanic Caribbean" on July 3 at the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters of the UAB.
This doctoral thesis, directed by Gerard Vilar and Alejandro Arteaga, embarks on a transformative journey, unraveling the intricate layers of identity for Afro-Indigenous femmes in the Hispanic Caribbean through phenomenological descriptions. Amidst a white supremacist environment, it challenges conventional notions of Latina identity, prompting a critical examination of preconceived ideas.
Defined as a conceptual space, the Vocal Void operates insidiously, silencing and erasing Afro- Indigenous femmes. However, through meticulous engagement and critical analysis, this research unveils the potential of the Vocal Void to emancipate us from one colonial box after another. It becomes a tool not only for escaping past confines but for shaping a liberated narrative.
The thesis represents a continuous process of investigation and reorientation, offering insights into the complexities of interpersonal relationships, ancestral narratives, and self-awareness. It delves into the creation of the subject, scrutinizing the processes by which coloniality determined humanity through racialization and gender. The ambition emerging from the exploration of the Vocal Void is a transformative shift — a commitment to thinking and producing without dependency on predefined subjectivities.
This work contributes to the broader discourse on identity, challenging established norms and fostering a deeper understanding of Afro-Indigenous femme experiences. Through phenomenological inquiry, it invites a reevaluation of societal constructs, paving the way for a future that transcends the limitations of the Vocal Void and empowers individuals to craft their narratives independently, without a need for embracing the colonial subject.