11.3 Performance Art: Body as Medium

Performance art pushes boundaries, using the artist's body as a medium to challenge norms and engage audiences. It blends elements from various art forms, creating ephemeral experiences that blur the line between performer and spectator.

This art form tackles societal issues, critiquing power structures and exploring identity. Key figures like Marina Abramović and Chris Burden have created provocative works that test physical limits and spark dialogue on contemporary topics.

Performance Art Fundamentals

Definition of performance art

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• Involves live actions or events performed by the artist or participants
• Presented in real-time, often in front of an audience (theater, public spaces)
• Time-based, with specific duration and ephemeral nature
• Incorporates elements from various art forms (visual art, dance, music)
• Actively engages the audience, blurring the line between performer and spectator
• Pushes boundaries and challenges traditional notions of art (conventions, norms)

Human body as artistic medium

• Artist's body serves as the primary medium for artistic expression
• Physical actions involve specific movements, gestures, or tasks performed by the artist
• Endurance performances test the limits of the artist's physical and mental endurance (long durations, extreme conditions)
• Self-inflicted pain, where artists subject themselves to physical discomfort or pain (cuts, bruises, exhaustion)
• Bodily fluids, such as blood or urine, incorporated into performances (smearing, drinking)
• Nudity used to challenge societal norms or explore vulnerability and exposure
• Directly engages with the audience and creates visceral, immersive experiences

Performance Art in Context

Performance art and societal issues

• Addresses and responds to contemporary social, political, and cultural issues
• Critiques societal norms, institutions, or power structures (government, religion, capitalism)
• Advocates for social or political change through activist performances (protests, interventions)
• Explores issues related to identity (gender, race, sexuality, class)
• Reflects on or challenges cultural values, traditions, or practices (rituals, taboos)
• Responds to or reenacts significant historical events or traumas (wars, genocides, oppression)
• Provokes thought, sparks dialogue, and inspires action around these issues

Key figures in performance art

• Marina Abramović
  • "Rhythm 0" (1974) invited audience to use 72 objects on her body as desired, testing performer-audience relationship
  • "The Artist is Present" (2010) involved silent sitting at MoMA, engaging visitors in shared gaze
• Chris Burden
  • "Shoot" (1971) had friend shoot him in the arm with rifle, exploring boundaries between art and reality
  • "Trans-Fixed" (1974) crucified on back of Volkswagen Beetle, commenting on personal suffering and public spectacle
• Yoko Ono
  • "Cut Piece" (1964) invited audience to cut away her clothing while passive, addressing gender, vulnerability, male gaze
• Vito Acconci
  • "Seedbed" (1972) masturbated beneath gallery ramp, vocalizing visitor fantasies, exploring public/private space, sexuality, voyeurism