Constructing identities has become a common practice

In which way has the understanding of identity (both in legal and in the personal sense) changed in the past 20 years?

It is easier to have several identities, to construct new identities, online but also offline (travelling, living in foreign countries, speaking foreign languages are ways to reinvent one's identity).

When and why did you start to work with identity in an artistic way?

As an art student when I realized that I'm not a painter. I made a work about myself being a painter using all the clichés that are usually applied to artists …

Do you consider our perception of identity part of your artistic material?

Absolutely. It is core.

How did you frame the idea of identity in your work?

Too long to explain, in many different ways, in many different projects, presenting myself as "painter", "feminist", "cyberfeminist", "net.artist", "activist", "journalist", "researcher",  "academic", "educator", "organiser", "manager", "editor", "networker", "coach", "hacker" etc.

What was your experience in working with a moldable understanding of identity?

You need a good memory to remember in what context you have to play what role ;-)

In the current attention economy, brands, media networks and institutions legitimize cultural or commercial practices through social capital - do you see your own practice to be a part of that?

This cannot be avoided and it is a constant struggle between playing and being played.

What do you think about the idea of identity as a quantifiably commodity?

As many ridiculous ideas, it is good for business.

Do you think identities are becoming more rigid by the use of social networks/technology?

Constructing identities has become a common practice.

How do you feel identities are perceived online today?

In an absolutely naive way. Most people believe they know the person who shares stuff online through that stuff …

Do you believe people have a right to be anonymous online?

Oh, YES.