Glossary

9.4 Performance art and music

13 min read•august 21, 2024

Performance art blends music, visuals, and live action to create unique experiences. It challenges traditional art forms by emphasizing the artist's body, audience engagement, and ephemeral moments that can't be easily bought or sold.

This genre explores the boundaries between art and life, often addressing social and political issues through direct action. Music plays a crucial role, with artists creating experimental compositions that push the limits of sound and silence.

Origins of performance art

  • Performance art emerged as a distinct artistic practice in the mid-20th century, challenging traditional notions of art and blurring the boundaries between different disciplines
  • This avant-garde movement emphasized the process of creation over the final product, often incorporating elements of theater, music, dance, and visual arts
  • Performance art sought to break down the barriers between artist and audience, creating immersive and often provocative experiences

Influences from avant-garde movements

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  • introduced absurdist and anti-art concepts, inspiring performance artists to question conventional artistic practices
  • Surrealism contributed dream-like imagery and spontaneous creation techniques to performance art
  • Futurism emphasized speed, technology, and dynamism, influencing performance artists to explore new forms of expression
  • Constructivism's focus on functionality and social purpose influenced politically-charged performances

Fluxus and Happenings

  • , an international network of artists, emerged in the 1960s and emphasized playfulness and simplicity in art
  • Fluxus artists created event scores, instructional pieces that could be performed by anyone ('s "Cut Piece")
  • Happenings, coined by Allan Kaprow, were improvised, participatory events that blurred the line between art and life
  • These events often took place in unconventional spaces and involved (Kaprow's "18 Happenings in 6 Parts")

Intersection with conceptual art

  • Conceptual art's emphasis on ideas over visual aesthetics greatly influenced performance art
  • Both movements prioritized the concept and process over the final product or object
  • Performance artists often incorporated text, documentation, and ephemeral elements inspired by conceptual art practices
  • The dematerialization of art objects in conceptual art paved the way for performance art's focus on temporary, experiential works

Key elements of performance art

  • Performance art distinguishes itself from traditional art forms by emphasizing the artist's body, live action, and audience engagement
  • This genre challenges conventional notions of art by creating ephemeral experiences that often cannot be bought, sold, or easily reproduced
  • Performance art explores the boundaries between art and life, often addressing social, political, and personal issues through direct action

Body as medium

  • Artists use their own bodies as the primary medium for expression and communication
  • Physical endurance and limits of the body are often explored (Marina Abramović's "Rhythm 0")
  • Gestures, movements, and actions become the language of the performance
  • Body modification or alteration may be incorporated (Stelarc's suspension performances)
  • The artist's presence and vulnerability create a unique connection with the audience

Time and duration

  • Performances can range from brief, intense moments to extended durational works lasting days or weeks
  • Time becomes a crucial element in shaping the audience's experience and perception of the work
  • Endurance performances test the limits of both artist and audience (Tehching Hsieh's "One Year Performance" series)
  • Repetitive actions over time can create hypnotic or meditative effects (Philip Glass's "Einstein on the Beach")
  • The passage of time itself can become the subject of the performance

Space and environment

  • The choice of location significantly impacts the meaning and reception of the performance
  • Site-specific works respond to or interact with particular environments (Christo and Jeanne-Claude's large-scale installations)
  • Public spaces are often used to engage with broader audiences and challenge the boundaries of art institutions
  • The arrangement of space can create immersive environments or influence audience movement
  • Natural elements or urban landscapes may be incorporated as part of the performance

Audience interaction

  • Many performance artists actively involve the audience, breaking down the traditional passive viewer role
  • Participatory elements can range from simple observations to direct physical involvement
  • The unpredictability of audience reactions becomes part of the work itself
  • Some performances rely on audience participation to be completed (Yoko Ono's "Cut Piece")
  • The relationship between performer and audience is often explored and challenged

Music in performance art

  • Music plays a crucial role in many performance art pieces, often blurring the lines between sound, action, and visual elements
  • Performance artists frequently collaborate with musicians or create their own experimental compositions to enhance their work
  • The integration of music in performance art challenges traditional notions of concert experiences and musical composition

Experimental compositions

  • John Cage's "4'33"" redefined the concept of music and silence in performance
  • Aleatoric music incorporates elements of chance and (John Zorn's game pieces)
  • Graphic scores use visual symbols instead of traditional notation, allowing for unique interpretations (Cornelius Cardew's "Treatise")
  • Extended techniques explore unconventional ways of playing instruments (Helmut Lachenmann's "musique concrète instrumentale")
  • Electronic and computer-generated sounds expand the sonic possibilities in performance art

Sound art vs traditional music

  • focuses on the sculptural and spatial aspects of sound rather than melodic or harmonic structures
  • Installation-based sound works create immersive audio environments (Janet Cardiff's "The Forty Part Motet")
  • Found sounds and field recordings are often incorporated into performance pieces
  • Traditional musical elements may be deconstructed or subverted in performance art contexts
  • The boundaries between music, noise, and ambient sound are frequently explored and challenged

Silence as performance

  • John Cage's "4'33"" demonstrated how silence can be a powerful performative element
  • The absence of intentional sound draws attention to ambient noises and audience reactions
  • Silence can create tension, reflection, or meditative states within a performance
  • Some artists use sensory deprivation techniques to heighten awareness of subtle sounds
  • The contrast between silence and sound can be used to create dramatic effects or structure a performance

Notable performance artists

  • Performance art has been shaped by numerous influential artists who have pushed the boundaries of artistic expression
  • These artists have contributed to the development of performance art as a recognized and respected form of contemporary art
  • Their work often addresses important social, political, and personal issues through innovative and provocative performances

Marina Abramović

  • Known as the "grandmother of performance art," Abramović has been creating groundbreaking works since the 1970s
  • Her performances often explore physical and mental limits (Rhythm series)
  • "The Artist is Present" (2010) involved sitting silently across from museum visitors for over 700 hours
  • Abramović emphasizes the importance of presence and energy exchange between artist and audience
  • Her work often addresses themes of endurance, vulnerability, and human connection

Yoko Ono

  • Ono's work bridges Fluxus, conceptual art, and performance art, often incorporating audience participation
  • "Cut Piece" (1964) invited audience members to cut away pieces of her clothing, exploring vulnerability and trust
  • Her "instruction pieces" blur the line between conceptual art and performance (Grapefruit book)
  • Ono's performances often address themes of peace, feminism, and social change
  • Collaborations with John Lennon brought performance art to a wider audience (Bed-Ins for Peace)

Laurie Anderson

  • Anderson combines music, technology, and performance art to create multimedia experiences
  • Her use of electronic instruments and voice modulation techniques is pioneering (O Superman)
  • "United States" (1983) was an epic 8-hour performance combining music, spoken word, and visuals
  • Anderson often explores themes of American culture, technology, and communication
  • Her work frequently incorporates storytelling and narrative elements within performance contexts

Nam June Paik

  • Paik is considered the founder of video art and incorporated technology into performance art
  • His TV Buddha series explored the relationship between technology, spirituality, and self-reflection
  • Paik collaborated with cellist Charlotte Moorman on numerous performances combining music and visual art
  • His work often critiqued mass media and television culture through playful and subversive performances
  • Paik's use of robotics and electronic manipulation in performances influenced later digital art practices

Techniques and approaches

  • Performance artists employ a wide range of techniques to create engaging and meaningful experiences
  • These approaches often challenge traditional artistic methods and push the boundaries of what can be considered art
  • The choice of technique significantly impacts the audience's perception and interpretation of the performance

Improvisation vs scripted performances

  • Improvised performances rely on spontaneity and responsiveness to the environment and audience
  • Scripted works allow for more precise control over the performance's structure and message
  • Some artists combine both approaches, using a loose framework with room for improvisation
  • Improvisation can create unique, unrepeatable moments and heighten the sense of immediacy
  • Scripted performances may involve extensive rehearsal and planning to achieve specific effects

Multimedia integration

  • Many performance artists incorporate various media to create multisensory experiences
  • Video projections can add visual layers or create virtual environments (Pipilotti Rist's immersive installations)
  • Sound design and music enhance the emotional impact and atmosphere of performances
  • Interactive technology allows for real-time manipulation of audio and visuals
  • Social media and live streaming platforms are increasingly used to expand the reach of performances

Durational performances

  • Extended time-based works challenge both the artist's and audience's endurance and perception
  • These performances can last hours, days, or even years (Tehching Hsieh's one-year performances)
  • Durational works often explore themes of time, repetition, and the limits of human experience
  • The passage of time becomes an integral part of the artwork's meaning and impact
  • Documentation plays a crucial role in preserving and sharing these extended performances

Site-specific works

  • Performances created for or in response to particular locations or environments
  • Artists may interact with architectural features, natural landscapes, or cultural contexts
  • Site-specific works often highlight or critique aspects of the chosen location
  • These performances can transform familiar spaces and challenge audience perceptions
  • Some site-specific works involve the creation of temporary installations or interventions in public spaces

Themes in performance art

  • Performance art often addresses complex and controversial subjects, using the immediacy of live action to engage audiences
  • Artists explore personal, social, and political issues through their work, challenging viewers to confront difficult topics
  • The themes in performance art reflect and comment on contemporary culture and human experiences

Identity and gender

  • Many performance artists explore issues of personal and cultural identity through their work
  • Gender roles and stereotypes are frequently challenged and subverted in performances
  • Artists may use their bodies to question societal norms and expectations (Cindy Sherman's photographic performances)
  • LGBTQ+ identities and experiences are often represented and celebrated in performance art
  • Some artists use drag or gender-bending performances to explore fluidity and challenge binary concepts

Politics and social issues

  • Performance art has a long history of addressing political and social concerns
  • Artists often use their bodies as symbols of resistance or solidarity with marginalized groups
  • Performances may critique government policies, war, or social injustices (Tania Bruguera's politically charged works)
  • Environmental issues and climate change have become increasingly prevalent themes in recent performances
  • Some artists use performance as a form of activism, directly engaging with social movements and protests

Technology and media

  • The impact of technology on society and individual experiences is a recurring theme in performance art
  • Artists explore the relationship between humans and machines through cyborg-like performances (Stelarc)
  • Virtual and augmented reality technologies are used to create new forms of immersive performances
  • Social media platforms become both the subject and medium for performance works
  • Some artists critique surveillance culture and data collection through their performances

Ritual and spirituality

  • Performance art often incorporates elements of ritual and spiritual practices
  • Artists may draw inspiration from traditional ceremonies or create their own symbolic actions
  • Performances can explore altered states of consciousness or transcendental experiences
  • Some works address the role of spirituality in contemporary society or personal belief systems
  • Ritualistic performances may involve repetitive actions, endurance, or the use of symbolic objects

Documentation and preservation

  • The ephemeral nature of performance art presents unique challenges for documentation and preservation
  • Various methods are employed to capture and share performances, each with its own limitations and benefits
  • The documentation itself often becomes an integral part of the artwork's legacy and interpretation

Photography and video recordings

  • Still photography captures key moments and visual elements of performances
  • Video recordings provide a more comprehensive record of time-based works
  • Both mediums allow for wider dissemination of performances beyond the initial live audience
  • The presence of cameras can influence the performance itself and audience behavior
  • Ethical considerations arise regarding consent and the impact of documentation on the live experience

Reenactments and reperformances

  • Some performance works are recreated by the original artist or other performers
  • Reenactments allow new audiences to experience historical performances (Marina Abramović's "Seven Easy Pieces")
  • Reperformances can explore how the meaning of a work changes in different contexts or time periods
  • Questions of authenticity and the role of the original artist arise in reenactments
  • Some artists create scores or instructions for their works to be performed by others

Archives and museums

  • Institutions collect and preserve documentation, artifacts, and ephemera related to performance art
  • Archives may include artist's notes, sketches, photographs, and video recordings
  • Museums face challenges in exhibiting and contextualizing performance art within traditional gallery spaces
  • Some institutions commission new performances or host residencies for performance artists
  • Digital archives and online platforms make performance art documentation more accessible to researchers and the public

Critical reception and analysis

  • The reception of performance art has evolved significantly since its emergence in the mid-20th century
  • Critical discourse surrounding performance art reflects changing attitudes towards experimental and conceptual art forms
  • The analysis of performance art often draws from various disciplines, including art history, cultural studies, and philosophy

Art world acceptance

  • Initially met with skepticism, performance art gradually gained recognition in mainstream art institutions
  • Major museums now regularly feature performance art exhibitions and acquire performance-based works
  • Art markets have developed strategies for selling and collecting ephemeral performance pieces
  • Performance art has influenced other artistic disciplines, broadening the definition of contemporary art
  • Some critics argue that institutionalization may compromise the radical nature of performance art

Public perception

  • General public reactions to performance art range from fascination to confusion or dismissal
  • High-profile performances often generate media attention and public debate
  • Some performances intentionally provoke or shock audiences to challenge societal norms
  • Educational initiatives aim to increase public understanding and appreciation of performance art
  • Social media has allowed for wider exposure and engagement with performance art beyond traditional art audiences

Academic discourse

  • Performance art has become a subject of scholarly research and analysis in various academic fields
  • Theories from gender studies, postcolonialism, and media studies are often applied to interpret performance works
  • The relationship between performance art and other disciplines (theater, dance, music) is a topic of ongoing discussion
  • Documentation and archival practices in performance art are subjects of academic debate
  • Performance studies has emerged as a distinct academic discipline, incorporating elements of anthropology and cultural studies
  • Performance art continues to evolve, adapting to new technologies and responding to changing social contexts
  • Contemporary artists push the boundaries of what constitutes performance, often blurring lines between different art forms
  • Current trends reflect both a return to the medium's radical roots and an embrace of new possibilities in the digital age

Digital and virtual performances

  • Artists create performances specifically for online platforms and virtual spaces
  • Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies enable new forms of immersive performances
  • AI and machine learning are incorporated into performances, exploring human-computer interaction
  • Digital performances challenge notions of presence and liveness in art
  • Online gaming environments become spaces for performative interventions and artistic exploration

Social media and live streaming

  • Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch become stages for performance art
  • Live streaming allows for real-time, global audience participation in performances
  • Social media-based performances often address issues of identity, privacy, and digital culture
  • The ephemeral nature of some social media content (Stories, live videos) aligns with performance art's temporality
  • Artists explore the performative aspects of online personas and digital self-presentation

Interdisciplinary collaborations

  • Performance artists increasingly collaborate with scientists, technologists, and researchers
  • projects combine performance with fields like neuroscience, ecology, or data visualization
  • Collaborations with traditional art forms create hybrid performances (dance-theater, visual art installations)
  • Partnerships with activists and community organizations address social and political issues through performance
  • Interdisciplinary approaches expand the conceptual and practical possibilities of performance art

Impact on other art forms

  • Performance art has significantly influenced various artistic disciplines since its emergence
  • The emphasis on process, audience engagement, and experimentation has permeated other creative fields
  • Performance art techniques and concepts continue to inspire innovation across the arts

Influence on theater

  • Experimental theater incorporates performance art elements, blurring the line between actor and performer
  • Site-specific and immersive theater productions draw inspiration from performance art practices
  • The concept of "post-dramatic theater" emerged partly in response to performance art's challenge to traditional narratives
  • Theater makers explore non-linear storytelling and audience participation inspired by performance art
  • The emphasis on the performer's presence and authenticity in performance art has influenced acting techniques

Crossover with visual arts

  • Performance art has expanded the definition of what constitutes a visual artwork
  • Installation art often incorporates performative elements or traces of actions
  • The artist's body becomes a medium in both performance and certain forms of contemporary visual art
  • Conceptual art practices have been deeply influenced by performance art's emphasis on ideas over objects
  • Museums and galleries increasingly incorporate live performances into their programming and collections
  • Elements of performance art have been adopted in music videos and live concerts
  • Fashion shows and product launches sometimes incorporate performance art-inspired elements
  • Advertising campaigns have used performance art techniques to create memorable experiences
  • Reality TV and social media challenges often draw on performance art concepts of endurance and spectacle
  • Performance art references appear in films, television shows, and other forms of mass media, increasing public awareness

Key Terms to Review (18)

Audience participation: Audience participation refers to the active involvement of viewers or spectators in a performance, breaking the traditional barrier between performers and the audience. This interaction can take many forms, such as inviting spectators on stage, encouraging them to engage with the work in various ways, or making them an integral part of the performance itself. This concept has evolved through different movements and styles, reshaping the dynamics of how art is experienced and interpreted.
Collaborative practice: Collaborative practice is a creative approach that involves multiple artists or disciplines working together to produce a unified artistic work or performance. This method emphasizes the importance of shared ideas, mutual respect, and the blending of different perspectives and skills, allowing for innovative and unique outcomes that might not be possible in isolation.
Cross-disciplinary: Cross-disciplinary refers to the practice of integrating knowledge and methods from different disciplines to create a more comprehensive understanding or innovative approach. In the context of performance art and music, this concept encourages collaboration and exploration across various artistic fields, enhancing creativity and expanding the boundaries of traditional art forms.
Dadaism: Dadaism is an avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its embrace of absurdity, anti-art sentiments, and a rejection of conventional aesthetics. It sought to challenge established norms through provocative and nonsensical works that questioned the very nature of art and society, influencing various forms of performance and expression.
Ephemerality: Ephemerality refers to the quality of being transient or short-lived, particularly in the context of art and performance where the experience exists only in the moment it occurs. This fleeting nature often challenges traditional notions of permanence and invites audiences to engage with art that cannot be fully captured or replicated, emphasizing the importance of the live experience.
Fluxus: Fluxus is an international art movement that emerged in the 1960s, characterized by its emphasis on the process of art-making, the blending of different artistic disciplines, and the idea of art as an experience rather than a finished product. The movement is known for its radical approach to art and performance, drawing on ideas from Dada and Futurism, while challenging traditional notions of art through participatory events and conceptual practices.
Folkestone Triennial: The Folkestone Triennial is a contemporary art exhibition held every three years in Folkestone, England, showcasing site-specific artworks created by various artists. This event aims to engage the local community while providing a platform for innovative performance art and music, often exploring themes relevant to the town's identity and heritage.
Immersion: Immersion refers to the deep engagement or involvement of an audience in an experience, making them feel fully present and participatory in the moment. This concept is especially significant in performance art, where artists create environments or scenarios that draw viewers into the piece, encouraging them to interact with the work on a sensory and emotional level. Immersion can also involve breaking the traditional boundaries between performer and audience, transforming the viewing experience into an active participation rather than passive observation.
Improvisation: Improvisation is the spontaneous creation or performance of art without premeditated scripting or planning, allowing artists to express themselves in real-time. This art form emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, often resulting in unique experiences that can challenge conventional norms and engage audiences in unexpected ways.
Intermediality: Intermediality refers to the interplay between different media forms and practices, highlighting how they can influence, enhance, or challenge one another in performance art. This concept recognizes that performance can engage with various mediums—such as visual art, music, film, and digital technologies—creating a rich tapestry of experiences that transcend traditional boundaries. By exploring intermediality, artists can express complex ideas and emotions through hybrid forms that reflect contemporary culture.
Laurie anderson: Laurie Anderson is an influential American performance artist, musician, and filmmaker known for her innovative use of technology in her art and music. Her work often combines storytelling, music, and visual art, exploring themes of language, identity, and the human experience. Anderson's unique blending of performance art and music makes her a significant figure in both realms, influencing contemporary practices in time-based media.
Live composition: Live composition refers to the real-time creation and arrangement of music, sound, or performance elements during a live event. This approach allows artists to interact with their environment and audience, making each performance unique and spontaneous. It often blurs the lines between performer and audience, fostering an immersive experience where the audience can witness the creative process unfold.
Multimodal theory: Multimodal theory refers to the approach in performance art that integrates multiple modes of expression, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements, to create a richer and more engaging experience for the audience. This theory emphasizes the importance of various media and their interaction, suggesting that different sensory experiences can enhance the understanding and emotional impact of a performance. It highlights how the combination of these modes can transform the way stories are told and experienced in performance art.
Musical performance art: Musical performance art is a form of expression that combines music with visual and theatrical elements, creating a unique experience that transcends traditional musical performances. It often incorporates multimedia, movement, and audience interaction, blurring the lines between different art forms. This approach allows artists to convey deeper narratives and emotions, pushing the boundaries of both music and performance.
Site-specific performance: Site-specific performance refers to art created specifically for a particular location, where the performance's meaning is deeply connected to the environment in which it occurs. This form of performance art transforms the perception of space, allowing the audience to engage with the work in a more immersive and personal way, often prompting reflections on the site’s history, culture, and context.
Sound art: Sound art is a contemporary artistic practice that emphasizes the auditory experience, using sound as its primary medium. This form of art can blend various disciplines, including music, visual art, and performance, often challenging traditional boundaries and engaging audiences in new ways. Sound art explores the relationship between sound and space, time, and perception, allowing artists to create immersive experiences that provoke thought and emotion.
The Venice Biennale: The Venice Biennale is a prestigious international art exhibition held in Venice, Italy, every two years since 1895. It serves as a major platform for contemporary artists and countries to showcase their work, promoting dialogue and interaction among different artistic disciplines. The event has evolved to include a variety of artistic expressions, including visual arts, architecture, cinema, dance, music, and performance art, reflecting the interconnectedness of these fields in contemporary culture.
Yoko Ono: Yoko Ono is a Japanese multimedia artist, singer, and peace activist known for her pioneering work in conceptual art and performance art. She has significantly influenced feminist performance art, challenging societal norms around gender and identity through her provocative and thought-provoking works.
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