5.4 Performance art

Performance art emerged as a radical form of artistic expression in the 20th century. It challenges traditional notions of art by emphasizing live action, audience engagement, and using the artist's body as a medium.

This avant-garde movement reflects broader cultural shifts and artistic experimentation. It blurs lines between disciplines, often incorporating elements of theater, visual art, music, and dance in non-traditional spaces.

Origins of performance art

• Performance art emerged as a radical form of artistic expression in the 20th century, challenging traditional notions of art and blurring the lines between various disciplines
• This avant-garde movement emphasizes live action, audience engagement, and the artist's body as a medium, reflecting broader cultural shifts and artistic experimentation

Early 20th century influences

Top images from around the web for Early 20th century influences

• 

  Dada Art at Pataphysical Studios | On a peaceful Saturday af… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Bauhaus - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Futurism - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Dada Art at Pataphysical Studios | On a peaceful Saturday af… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Bauhaus - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Early 20th century influences

• 

  Dada Art at Pataphysical Studios | On a peaceful Saturday af… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Bauhaus - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Futurism - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Dada Art at Pataphysical Studios | On a peaceful Saturday af… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Bauhaus - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Futurism sparked interest in live artistic performances through provocative manifestos and theatrical events
• Dada movement introduced absurdist elements and spontaneity in artistic presentations
• Surrealism explored the subconscious mind through unconventional performances and happenings
• Bauhaus integrated performance into its interdisciplinary approach to art and design education

Fluxus movement

• Emerged in the 1960s as an international network of artists, composers, and designers
• Emphasized the concept of "art as life" and "life as art," breaking down barriers between artistic disciplines
• Incorporated everyday objects and actions into performances, challenging traditional art market values
• Key figures include George Maciunas, Yoko Ono, and Nam June Paik
• Fluxus events often featured simple actions or instructions (event scores) for audience participation

Happenings and events

• Coined by Allan Kaprow in the late 1950s, "Happenings" were improvised, participatory art events
• Blended elements of theater, visual art, music, and dance in non-traditional spaces
• Emphasized spontaneity and audience involvement, often lacking a clear narrative structure
• Influential artists include Claes Oldenburg, Jim Dine, and Carolee Schneemann
• Happenings paved the way for more structured performance art pieces in subsequent decades

Key characteristics

• Performance art distinguishes itself from traditional art forms through its emphasis on live action and temporality
• This genre challenges conventional notions of artistic creation and consumption, often provoking strong reactions from audiences

Ephemeral nature

• Performance art exists primarily in the moment of its execution, leaving no permanent physical artifact
• Emphasizes the transient nature of experience and the impermanence of art
• Challenges traditional art market values and notions of collectibility
• Documentation (photographs, videos) serves as a record but is not considered the artwork itself
• Raises questions about the nature of art and its relationship to time and memory

Audience participation

• Blurs the line between performer and spectator, often requiring active engagement from viewers
• Can range from simple observation to direct physical involvement in the performance
• Challenges traditional passive modes of art appreciation
• Creates unique, individualized experiences for each audience member
• Often aims to provoke emotional or intellectual responses from participants

Body as medium

• Artists use their own bodies as the primary tool for artistic expression
• Explores themes of physicality, endurance, identity, and human limits
• Can involve elements of risk, pain, or discomfort for the artist
• Challenges traditional notions of artistic skill and technique
• Often addresses societal taboos and cultural norms surrounding the human body

Notable performance artists

• Performance art has produced numerous influential figures who have shaped the genre and pushed its boundaries
• These artists have contributed to the development of performance art as a recognized and respected form of artistic expression

Marina Abramović

• Serbian artist known for her provocative and physically demanding performances
• Pioneered long-durational works, often testing the limits of her body and mind
• Famous works include "Rhythm 0" (1974) and "The Artist is Present" (2010)
• Explores themes of endurance, pain, and the relationship between performer and audience
• Established the Marina Abramović Institute to preserve and promote performance art

Yoko Ono

• Japanese-American artist associated with both Fluxus and conceptual art movements
• Created performances that often involve audience participation and simple instructions
• Notable works include "Cut Piece" (1964) and "Bed-In for Peace" (1969) with John Lennon
• Explores themes of peace, feminism, and cultural exchange in her performances
• Continues to influence contemporary artists and activists through her ongoing work

Joseph Beuys

• German artist who expanded the definition of art to include social and political activism
• Famous for his "social sculptures" and performances that blended art, politics, and education
• Notable works include "I Like America and America Likes Me" (1974) and "7000 Oaks" (1982)
• Used unconventional materials like felt and fat, often referencing his personal mythology
• Advocated for the transformative power of art in society and education

Themes in performance art

• Performance art often addresses contemporary social, political, and cultural issues
• Artists use their bodies and actions to explore complex themes and provoke thought and discussion

Identity and gender

• Explores personal and collective identities through embodied performances
• Challenges societal norms and expectations related to gender roles and expression
• Artists like Cindy Sherman and Adrian Piper use performance to question stereotypes and representations
• Addresses intersectionality, examining how various aspects of identity interact and overlap
• Often incorporates elements of drag, cross-dressing, or gender-bending to subvert traditional categories

Politics and activism

• Uses performance as a tool for social and political commentary and protest
• Addresses issues such as war, environmental concerns, human rights, and economic inequality
• Artists like Tania Bruguera and Regina José Galindo create works that directly confront political systems
• Often involves risk-taking and confrontational tactics to draw attention to urgent issues
• Can serve as a form of non-violent resistance or civil disobedience

Technology and media

• Incorporates new technologies and media platforms into performance practices
• Explores the impact of digital culture on human interaction and perception
• Artists like Stelarc and Orlan use their bodies as sites for technological experimentation
• Addresses issues of surveillance, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence in performances
• Often blurs the line between live and mediated experiences, questioning the nature of presence

Performance art techniques

• Performance artists employ a wide range of techniques to create impactful and memorable works
• These methods often challenge traditional notions of artistic skill and craftsmanship

Durational performances

• Involve extended periods of time, often lasting hours, days, or even weeks
• Test the physical and mental endurance of both the artist and the audience
• Examples include Tehching Hsieh's "One Year Performance" series and Marina Abramović's "The House with the Ocean View"
• Often explore themes of time, repetition, and the limits of human perception
• Can create intense emotional and psychological experiences for participants and viewers

Site-specific works

• Created for and performed in particular locations, often outside traditional art spaces
• Incorporate the physical, historical, or cultural context of the site into the performance
• Artists like Mierle Laderman Ukeles and Francis Alÿs create works that respond to urban environments
• Can involve interventions in public spaces or performances in unconventional venues (abandoned buildings, natural landscapes)
• Often challenges the boundaries between art and everyday life

Ritualistic elements

• Incorporates ceremonial or repetitive actions inspired by religious or cultural rituals
• Can create a sense of sacredness or transcendence within the performance
• Artists like Ana Mendieta and Hermann Nitsch use ritual-like elements to explore spirituality and the body
• Often involves the use of symbolic objects, gestures, or actions
• Can serve to create a sense of community or shared experience among participants

Documentation and preservation

• The ephemeral nature of performance art presents unique challenges for documentation and preservation
• Various methods are employed to capture and transmit the essence of live performances

Photography and video

• Serve as primary means of documenting live performances for posterity
• Can capture key moments or provide a comprehensive record of entire performances
• Raises questions about the relationship between the live event and its documentation
• Artists like Matthew Barney create performances specifically for video documentation
• Archival footage allows for the study and analysis of historical performances

Relics and artifacts

• Physical objects used in or resulting from performances can be preserved as art objects
• May include costumes, props, or remnants of actions performed during the event
• Challenges traditional notions of art objects and their relationship to performance
• Museums and galleries often display these items alongside documentation of the original performance
• Raises questions about the value and meaning of objects separated from their performative context

Re-performance debates

• Discussions around the ethics and feasibility of recreating historical performances
• Some artists (Marina Abramović) advocate for re-performance as a way to preserve the art form
• Others argue that the unique context and energy of the original cannot be replicated
• Raises questions about authorship, authenticity, and the nature of live art
• Institutions like MoMA have organized re-performances of iconic works, sparking ongoing debates

Performance art vs traditional art

• Performance art challenges many conventions of traditional visual arts
• This comparison highlights the unique characteristics and contributions of performance as an art form

Temporality vs permanence

• Performance art exists primarily in the moment of its execution, emphasizing transience
• Traditional art forms (painting, sculpture) create lasting physical objects
• Performance challenges notions of art collection, preservation, and market value
• Raises questions about the nature of artistic experience and memory
• Can create a sense of urgency or immediacy not present in static artworks

Process vs product

• Performance art often emphasizes the act of creation over a finished product
• Traditional art typically results in a completed, static artwork
• Performance can reveal the artist's decision-making and creative process to the audience
• Challenges notions of artistic skill and craftsmanship
• Often involves elements of chance, improvisation, or audience interaction

Live experience vs static viewing

• Performance art requires the presence of an audience during its execution
• Traditional art can be viewed at any time in galleries or museums
• Performance creates a shared, time-bound experience between artist and audience
• Can evoke strong emotional or physical responses not typically associated with static art
• Challenges conventional modes of art appreciation and criticism

Cultural impact

• Performance art has significantly influenced contemporary culture and artistic practices
• Its impact extends beyond the art world into broader social and cultural spheres

Challenging art conventions

• Expanded the definition of what can be considered art
• Questioned the role of institutions (museums, galleries) in determining artistic value
• Influenced other art forms, leading to more experimental and interdisciplinary approaches
• Emphasized the importance of concept and experience over traditional artistic skills
• Encouraged a more active and engaged role for audiences in art appreciation

Influence on popular culture

• Performance art techniques have been adopted in music videos, concerts, and fashion shows
• Artists like Lady Gaga and Sia incorporate performance art elements into their work
• Social media platforms have popularized performance-like behaviors and challenges
• Flash mobs and public interventions draw inspiration from performance art practices
• Television shows and films increasingly feature performance art-inspired scenes or characters

Institutional recognition

• Major museums now collect and exhibit performance art documentation and relics
• Dedicated performance art spaces and festivals have emerged worldwide
• Academic programs in performance studies have been established at universities
• Performance artists have received prestigious awards and grants (Turner Prize, MacArthur Fellowships)
• Increased scholarly attention has led to a growing body of literature on performance art history and theory

Criticism and controversies

• Performance art often provokes strong reactions and debates about its nature and value
• These criticisms and controversies have shaped the development and reception of the art form

Ethical considerations

• Some performances raise questions about the physical or psychological risks to artists and participants
• Debates around the exploitation of audience members or vulnerable populations in performances
• Concerns about the representation of violence, sexuality, or traumatic experiences in live art
• Questions about the responsibility of institutions in presenting potentially harmful or offensive works
• Discussions of cultural appropriation and the ethics of borrowing from traditional rituals or practices

Audience discomfort

• Many performances intentionally provoke discomfort or unease in viewers
• Can lead to accusations of sensationalism or gratuitous shock value
• Raises questions about the role of pleasure or aesthetic beauty in art appreciation
• Some audiences feel alienated or excluded by the challenging nature of performance art
• Debates about the balance between artistic freedom and consideration for audience well-being

Artistic merit debates

• Critics question whether performance art meets traditional standards of artistic skill or creativity
• Debates about the distinction between performance art and other forms of live entertainment
• Concerns about the reproducibility and authenticity of documented or re-performed works
• Questions about the role of intention and context in determining artistic value
• Discussions of the relationship between performance art and broader social or political activism

Contemporary trends

• Performance art continues to evolve, incorporating new technologies and responding to changing cultural contexts
• These trends reflect broader shifts in artistic practice and social engagement

Digital performance art

• Incorporates virtual reality, augmented reality, and other digital technologies
• Explores themes of online identity, digital surveillance, and artificial intelligence
• Artists like Cao Fei and Jon Rafman create performances in virtual spaces or video games
• Raises questions about the nature of presence and embodiment in digital environments
• Challenges traditional notions of live performance and audience participation

Social media integration

• Artists use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter as performance spaces
• Explores themes of self-presentation, viral culture, and digital connectivity
• Can create ongoing, durational performances that unfold over time on social media
• Blurs the line between art and everyday life in digital spaces
• Raises questions about privacy, authenticity, and the commodification of personal experience

Interdisciplinary approaches

• Increasing collaboration between performance artists and practitioners from other fields
• Integration of scientific research, technology, and data visualization into performances
• Exploration of the intersection between performance art and fields like neuroscience or ecology
• Creation of immersive, multi-sensory experiences that combine various artistic disciplines
• Challenges traditional boundaries between art, science, and technology