5.3 Ephemeral and temporary works

Ephemeral art challenges traditional notions of permanence in performance art. It explores themes of impermanence and change through short-lived artistic expressions, emphasizing the experience and process of creation over enduring physical objects.

This form of art encompasses various mediums, including performance, installation, and environmental art. It gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, influenced by movements like Dada and Fluxus, which questioned traditional art forms and practices.

Concept of ephemeral art

• Ephemeral art encompasses temporary, transient creations in performance art challenging traditional notions of permanence
• Explores themes of impermanence, change, and the fleeting nature of existence through short-lived artistic expressions
• Emphasizes the experience and process of creation over the enduring physical object

Defining ephemeral art

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• Artworks intentionally designed to exist for a limited time period
• Characterized by their temporary nature and eventual disappearance or transformation
• Encompasses various mediums including performance, installation, and environmental art
• Challenges conventional ideas of art preservation and collection

Historical context

• Roots trace back to ancient rituals and ceremonies involving temporary structures or performances
• Gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s with the rise of conceptual and performance art movements
• Influenced by Dada and Fluxus movements which questioned traditional art forms and practices
• Developed as a response to the commercialization and commodification of art objects

Temporary vs permanent art

• Temporary art focuses on the immediacy of experience and the present moment
• Permanent art aims for longevity and preservation for future generations
• Ephemeral works often prioritize concept and process over physical permanence
• Challenges the notion of art as a collectible commodity
• Explores the relationship between art, time, and memory

Types of ephemeral works

• Ephemeral works in performance art encompass a wide range of temporary artistic expressions
• These diverse forms challenge traditional notions of art as enduring physical objects
• Emphasizes the importance of experience, process, and conceptual elements in artistic creation

Performance art

• Live actions or events performed by artists or participants
• Often incorporates elements of theater, dance, and visual arts
• Can be improvised or carefully choreographed
• May involve audience participation or interaction
• Examples include Marina Abramović's durational performances and Yoko Ono's instructional pieces

Land art and earthworks

• Large-scale interventions in natural landscapes or urban environments
• Uses natural materials like soil, rocks, and vegetation
• Subject to natural processes of erosion and decay
• Notable works include Robert Smithson's "Spiral Jetty" and Andy Goldsworthy's nature sculptures

Ice and snow sculptures

• Temporary structures created from frozen water
• Often featured in winter festivals or competitions
• Melts or deteriorates with changing weather conditions
• Explores themes of transformation and impermanence
• Examples include the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China

Chalk art and street painting

• Temporary drawings or paintings created on sidewalks or streets
• Uses chalk, pastels, or other water-soluble materials
• Washes away with rain or foot traffic
• Often involves public participation or interaction
• Notable artists include Julian Beever and Kurt Wenner

Materials and techniques

• Ephemeral art in performance utilizes diverse materials and techniques to create temporary experiences
• Selection of materials often emphasizes the transient nature of the artwork
• Techniques focus on creating impactful, short-lived artistic expressions

Biodegradable materials

• Natural materials that decompose over time
• Includes organic matter like leaves, flowers, and food items
• Emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and decay
• Artists like Vik Muniz create temporary images using materials like sugar or chocolate

Natural elements

• Incorporates environmental forces like wind, water, and sunlight
• Utilizes natural processes of erosion, growth, or transformation
• Examples include Andy Goldsworthy's leaf and ice sculptures
• Emphasizes the artist's collaboration with nature

Digital and technological media

• Utilizes software, projections, or interactive installations
• Creates temporary experiences through light, sound, or virtual reality
• Allows for dynamic and responsive artworks
• Artists like Refik Anadol create data-driven, ephemeral digital sculptures

Time-based materials

• Substances that change or deteriorate over a specific duration
• Includes materials like ice, smoke, or chemical reactions
• Explores concepts of transformation and impermanence
• Examples include Ólafur Elíasson's "Ice Watch" installation using melting glacial ice

Documenting ephemeral art

• Documentation plays a crucial role in preserving the memory and impact of ephemeral performance art
• Captures the essence of temporary works for future study and appreciation
• Raises questions about the nature of the artwork and its relationship to documentation

Photography and video

• Visual records capture key moments or the entire duration of ephemeral works
• Allows for detailed analysis of performances or installations after they have ended
• Challenges the notion of documentation as a separate artwork
• Examples include photographs of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's wrapped monuments

Written documentation

• Artist statements, critical reviews, and audience reflections provide context
• Describes conceptual elements, processes, and intentions behind ephemeral works
• Includes instructions or scores for reproducible performance pieces
• Yoko Ono's "Grapefruit" book contains written instructions for conceptual artworks

Audience participation

• Incorporates viewer experiences and reactions as part of the documentation
• Collects testimonials, interviews, or participatory artifacts
• Emphasizes the social and interactive aspects of ephemeral art
• Marina Abramović's "The Artist is Present" included photographs of participants

Digital archiving

• Online platforms and databases preserve documentation of ephemeral works
• Allows for wider access and dissemination of temporary art experiences
• Incorporates multimedia elements like 360-degree videos or virtual reality
• Raises questions about the authenticity of digital representations of ephemeral art

Conceptual aspects

• Ephemeral art in performance explores profound philosophical and conceptual ideas
• Challenges traditional notions of art, time, and human experience
• Emphasizes the importance of process, context, and audience engagement

Impermanence and transience

• Explores the fleeting nature of existence and the passage of time
• Reflects on themes of mortality, change, and the human condition
• Challenges the desire for permanence and material possession
• Artists like On Kawara create date paintings to mark the passing of time

Time as artistic medium

• Utilizes duration, rhythm, and temporal experiences as core elements
• Explores how time affects perception and meaning in art
• Includes durational performances and time-based installations
• John Cage's "4'33"" uses silence and duration as primary artistic elements

Site-specificity

• Creates works that respond to or interact with particular locations
• Emphasizes the relationship between art, environment, and context
• Often incorporates local materials, history, or cultural elements
• Richard Serra's site-specific sculptures respond to architectural spaces

Environmental commentary

• Uses ephemeral art to raise awareness about ecological issues
• Explores human impact on nature and environmental change
• Often incorporates natural materials or processes
• Agnes Denes' "Wheatfield - A Confrontation" transformed an urban lot into a temporary wheat field

Notable ephemeral artists

• These artists have significantly contributed to the development and recognition of ephemeral art in performance
• Their works challenge traditional art forms and explore new possibilities in temporary artistic expression
• Influenced subsequent generations of artists working with ephemeral mediums

Andy Goldsworthy

• British artist known for site-specific sculptures using natural materials
• Creates temporary works that interact with environmental forces
• Photographs his creations to document their brief existence
• Notable works include "Ice Star" and "Autumn Leaves"

Christo and Jeanne-Claude

• Collaborative duo famous for large-scale, temporary environmental installations
• Wrapped monuments, buildings, and landscapes in fabric
• Projects often took years of planning and existed for only short periods
• Notable works include "The Gates" in Central Park and "Wrapped Reichstag"

Ana Mendieta

• Cuban-American artist known for her "earth-body" works
• Created temporary sculptures and performances integrating her body with nature
• Explored themes of identity, displacement, and connection to the earth
• "Silueta Series" involved imprints of her body in various natural settings

Banksy

• Anonymous British street artist known for provocative, temporary public artworks
• Creates stencil graffiti with political and social commentary
• Works often removed, painted over, or stolen shortly after creation
• Notable works include "Girl with Balloon" and "Mobile Lovers"

Challenges and considerations

• Ephemeral art in performance presents unique challenges and ethical considerations
• Raises questions about the nature of art, preservation, and cultural value
• Requires careful planning and consideration of various stakeholders

Conservation vs intention

• Tension between preserving ephemeral works and respecting artists' intentions
• Challenges traditional museum practices and art market dynamics
• Raises questions about the role of documentation in preserving temporary art
• Some artists, like Tino Sehgal, refuse any documentation of their ephemeral works

Audience experience

• Limited viewing opportunities due to the temporary nature of the works
• Emphasizes the importance of being present and engaged in the moment
• Challenges traditional modes of art consumption and appreciation
• Marina Abramović's performances often require audience members to wait in long lines

Legal and ethical issues

• Questions of ownership and copyright for temporary public artworks
• Challenges in obtaining permits and permissions for site-specific installations
• Ethical considerations of using certain materials or locations
• Banksy's unauthorized street art raises issues of legality and preservation

Environmental impact

• Concerns about the ecological footprint of large-scale temporary installations
• Balancing artistic expression with environmental responsibility
• Use of biodegradable or recyclable materials to minimize impact
• Christo and Jeanne-Claude's projects often faced environmental scrutiny

Impact on contemporary art

• Ephemeral art has significantly influenced the landscape of contemporary performance art
• Challenges traditional notions of art creation, display, and preservation
• Continues to evolve with technological advancements and changing cultural contexts

Shift in art market dynamics

• Challenges traditional models of art collection and investment
• Emphasizes experience and documentation over physical art objects
• Emergence of new models for selling and collecting ephemeral works
• Tino Sehgal sells his performance pieces through oral contracts and instructions

Influence on traditional art forms

• Incorporation of temporary elements in more conventional art mediums
• Blurring of boundaries between performance, installation, and object-based art
• Increased focus on process and audience engagement in various art forms
• Olafur Eliasson's "The Weather Project" brought ephemeral elements to museum spaces

Digital age and ephemeral art

• Social media platforms as new venues for creating and sharing temporary art
• Emergence of digital and virtual reality-based ephemeral experiences
• Challenges notions of permanence and authenticity in the digital realm
• Snapchat and Instagram stories as platforms for ephemeral artistic expression

Future of temporary works

• Continued exploration of new materials and technologies in ephemeral art
• Growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly temporary installations
• Potential for ephemeral art to address urgent social and environmental issues
• Increased collaboration between artists, scientists, and technologists in creating temporary experiences