Tino Sehgal

Definition

Tino Sehgal is a contemporary artist known for his innovative approach to performance art, where the artworks are created through live interactions between people rather than being presented as physical objects. His work often challenges traditional notions of art by focusing on experience and dialogue, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of performance and the role of the audience as participants.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tino Sehgal's work is characterized by the absence of traditional visual art materials; instead, he creates 'constructed situations' through interactions.
2. He gained significant recognition for his piece 'This Progress,' which premiered at the Guggenheim Museum in 2010 and involved participants engaging in conversations about progress.
3. Sehgal's performances often require trained 'interpreters' who embody and relay the work's themes through movement and conversation.
4. He won the Golden Lion for Best Artist at the Venice Biennale in 2013, highlighting his impact on contemporary performance art.
5. Sehgal’s works are not documented or recorded; they exist solely through live experience, pushing boundaries of how art is defined and experienced.

Review Questions

• How does Tino Sehgal’s approach to performance art challenge traditional ideas about what constitutes an artwork?
  • Tino Sehgal challenges traditional notions of art by creating works that exist solely through live interactions rather than physical objects. His emphasis on experience and dialogue encourages audiences to participate actively, blurring the lines between artist and viewer. This approach redefines art as an event rather than an object, making the moment of engagement itself the artwork.
• In what ways does Tino Sehgal utilize trained interpreters in his performances, and what role do they play in conveying his artistic message?
  • Trained interpreters are crucial in Tino Sehgal's performances, as they embody the themes of the work through movement and conversation. These interpreters engage with audiences, guiding them through constructed situations that unfold in real time. Their role is not merely to perform but to facilitate a deeper understanding of the concepts at play, making each experience unique and personal for every participant.
• Evaluate the significance of ephemerality in Tino Sehgal’s work and its implications for contemporary performance art as a whole.
  • The significance of ephemerality in Tino Sehgal’s work lies in its challenge to traditional art practices that prioritize permanence and documentation. By creating art that exists only in the moment of engagement, he forces audiences to confront the fleeting nature of experience. This approach impacts contemporary performance art by encouraging artists to explore new ways of defining their work beyond tangible outputs, emphasizing participation and presence over materiality.

Related terms

Performance Art: An art form that combines visual art with dramatic performance, often involving the artist's body and actions as part of the artwork.

Ephemeral Art: Art that is temporary and not intended to last, focusing on experiences rather than physical objects, similar to Sehgal's approach.

Participatory Art: Art that involves the audience in the creative process, inviting them to engage actively with the artwork, which is a key element of Sehgal's performances.