Durational performance

Definition

Durational performance refers to a type of live art where the artist engages in a specific action or series of actions for an extended period of time, challenging the conventional boundaries of time, endurance, and the audience's perception. This form of performance art often explores themes of physical and mental limits, as well as the relationship between the performer and the viewer. The experience is typically immersive, allowing for deeper connections and reflections on existence, identity, and presence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marina Abramović is known for her durational performances that often last for several hours or even days, pushing both her limits and those of her audience.
2. In her iconic work 'The Artist Is Present,' Abramović sat silently for over 736 hours, inviting viewers to sit across from her and share a moment of connection.
3. Durational performance often emphasizes the passage of time, with the duration itself becoming a significant aspect of the artwork's meaning.
4. The relationship between the performer and the audience is heightened in durational performances, as viewers witness the physical and emotional toll on the artist.
5. Abramović's works frequently address themes such as vulnerability, trust, and the human condition, inviting introspection from participants.

Review Questions

• How does durational performance challenge traditional notions of art and engage audiences in a unique way?
  • Durational performance challenges traditional notions of art by blurring the lines between artist and audience, turning spectators into active participants in the experience. By engaging in lengthy actions, artists like Marina Abramović invite viewers to confront their own perceptions of time and endurance. This immersive quality fosters a deeper connection between the performer and the audience, encouraging reflection on shared experiences and emotions.
• Discuss how Marina Abramović’s approach to durational performance has influenced contemporary art practices.
  • Marina Abramović's approach to durational performance has significantly influenced contemporary art practices by emphasizing the importance of endurance and presence in live art. Her works challenge artists to explore their physical and emotional limits while creating profound connections with audiences. This focus on immersive experiences has led many contemporary artists to incorporate elements of duration and vulnerability into their performances, reshaping how live art is perceived and experienced.
• Evaluate the implications of durational performance on societal perceptions of vulnerability and human connection in modern art.
  • Durational performance has profound implications on societal perceptions of vulnerability and human connection by exposing raw emotions and physical limits in a public setting. Artists like Abramović invite audiences to witness not just an artwork but a shared human experience that reflects struggles and resilience. This openness encourages viewers to reflect on their own vulnerabilities and fosters a greater understanding of interpersonal relationships, thus transforming modern art into a medium that resonates with collective human experiences.

Related terms

Performance Art: A form of art that combines visual art with dramatic performance, often involving live actions by the artist in front of an audience.

Endurance Art: A subset of performance art focused on the artist's ability to withstand physical or psychological challenges during their performance.

Audience Participation: An interactive element where the audience engages directly with the performance, influencing its outcome or experience.