Performance Art

Unit 1 – Performance Art: Origins and Development

Unit 2 – Key performance art movements

Unit 3 – Influential performance artists

Unit 4 – Body as medium

Unit 5 – Time and Duration in Performance Art

Unit 6 – Space and site–specificity

Unit 7 – Audience Interaction in Performance Art

Unit 8 – Documenting & Preserving Performance Art

Unit 9 – Interdisciplinary Collaborations in Performance

Unit 10 – New Media in Performance Art

Unit 11 – Performance Art: Cultural & Political Contexts

Unit 12 – Performance Art: Theory & Criticism

## What do you learn in Performance Art

Performance Art explores the intersection of visual arts, theater, and live action. You'll study the history of performance art, from its avant-garde roots to contemporary practices. The course covers body art, happenings, durational performances, and interactive installations. You'll learn about key artists like Marina Abramović and Yoko Ono, and develop your own performance pieces.

## Is Performance Art hard?

Performance Art can be challenging, but in a different way than traditional classes. It's not about memorizing facts or solving equations. The hard part is pushing your creative boundaries and getting comfortable with public vulnerability. You'll need to think outside the box and be willing to take risks. The workload isn't usually heavy, but the emotional and physical demands can be intense.

## Tips for taking Performance Art in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram for the theoretical parts of the course. 🌶️
2. Get out of your comfort zone early. The sooner you embrace the weirdness, the better you'll do.
3. Document everything. Take photos and videos of your performances and process.
4. Attend local performance art events to get inspired and see how pros do it.
5. Read up on performance art history. Check out RoseLee Goldberg's "Performance Art: From Futurism to the Present."
6. Watch Marina Abramović's documentary "The Artist is Present" for insight into a legendary performance artist's process.

## Common pre-requisites for Performance Art

1. Introduction to Theater: This course covers the basics of dramatic theory, stagecraft, and performance. You'll learn about different theatrical styles and how to analyze plays.

2. Contemporary Art History: This class explores art movements from the 20th and 21st centuries. It provides context for understanding performance art's place in the broader art world.

## Classes similar to Performance Art

1. Installation Art: This course focuses on creating immersive, site-specific artworks. You'll learn how to transform spaces and engage viewers in multi-sensory experiences.

2. Experimental Video: Here, you'll explore non-traditional approaches to filmmaking and video art. The class covers techniques for creating abstract, narrative-defying video pieces.

3. Body and Movement: This dance-oriented class examines how the body can be used as an expressive tool. You'll learn about different movement techniques and how to choreograph with intention.

4. Sound Art: This course delves into creating art using audio. You'll learn about experimental music, field recordings, and how to integrate sound into larger art pieces.

## Majors related to Performance Art

1. Fine Arts: Focuses on developing technical skills in various media and fostering a unique artistic voice. Students learn about art history, theory, and contemporary practices.

2. Theater: Emphasizes acting, directing, and stagecraft. Students study dramatic literature, performance techniques, and the practical aspects of producing plays.

3. Interdisciplinary Arts: Combines multiple artistic disciplines, allowing students to explore connections between different forms of creative expression. It encourages innovative approaches to art-making.

4. Media Arts: Concentrates on digital and electronic art forms, including video, animation, and interactive media. Students learn technical skills alongside conceptual development.

## What can you do with a degree in Performance Art?

1. Performance Artist: Creates and performs original live artworks. They may work independently or collaborate with galleries, museums, or festivals to present their pieces.

2. Art Therapist: Uses artistic processes to help clients improve mental health and well-being. They combine their knowledge of art and psychology to facilitate healing through creative expression.

3. Museum Curator: Organizes and manages art exhibitions, including performance art events. They research artists, select works, and create engaging experiences for museum visitors.

4. Arts Administrator: Manages the business side of arts organizations, including theaters, galleries, and performance spaces. They handle budgeting, marketing, and program development.

## Performance Art FAQs

1. Do I need to be a good actor to take Performance Art? Not necessarily. Performance art values authenticity and concept over traditional acting skills.

2. Will I have to perform nude? It depends on the course and your personal boundaries. Many performance artists use nudity, but it's not a requirement.

3. How is Performance Art different from Theater? Performance Art often breaks traditional narrative structures and emphasizes concept over story. It can happen anywhere, not just on a stage.

4. Can I incorporate technology into my performances? Absolutely. Many contemporary performance artists use video, sound, and interactive technologies in their work.

Performing Arts

1.1 Futurism and Dada

1.3 Conceptual art and performance

1.2 Happenings and Fluxus

1.4 Feminist performance art

1.5 Performance art in the 1970s and 1980s

1.6 Global expansion of performance art

2.1 Body art

2.2 Endurance art

2.4 Guerrilla performance

2.3 Ritual performance

2.5 Institutional critique

2.6 Relational aesthetics

3.3 Joseph Beuys

3.2 Yoko Ono

3.1 Marina Abramović

3.4 Carolee Schneemann

3.5 Chris Burden

3.6 Vito Acconci

4.1 Physical endurance and limits

4.2 Gender and sexuality

4.3 Identity and self-representation

4.4 Body modification and transformation

4.5 Nudity in performance art

4.6 Pain and risk in performance

5.5 Performance schedules and timetables

5.1 Durational performances

5.2 Repetition and ritual

5.4 Time-based media

5.3 Ephemeral and temporary works

6.1 Site-specific performances

6.3 Environmental and landscape performances

6.2 Institutional spaces vs. public spaces

6.4 Architecture and performance

6.5 Virtual and digital spaces

7.1 Participatory performances

7.2 Immersive experiences

7.3 Social engagement and community-based practices

7.5 Ethics of audience involvement

7.4 Audience as co-creator

8.1 Photography and performance

8.2 Video documentation

8.3 Archival practices

8.4 Re-performance and reenactment

8.5 Challenges of preserving ephemeral art

9.1 Performance art and visual arts

9.2 Performance art and theater

9.3 Performance art and dance

9.4 Performance art and music

9.5 Collaborative performances

10.1 Digital performance

10.2 Telematic and networked performances

10.3 Virtual and augmented reality

10.4 Artificial intelligence and performance

10.5 Biotechnology and performance

11.1 Identity politics and representation

11.3 Postcolonial perspectives

11.4 Globalization and cultural exchange

11.5 Censorship and controversy

11.2 Activism and protest performances

12.1 Semiotics and performance

12.2 Phenomenology and embodiment

12.3 Feminist and queer theory

12.4 Postmodern and contemporary criticism

12.5 Writing about performance art

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

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