Performance art is a type of contemporary art. The term has been used in a variety of contexts, but it generally refers to art that is dynamic and ephemeral rather than static and permanent. This type of art directly engages the audience and includes the artist or a representation of the artist. Performance art differs from traditional theater in many ways. The term was coined in the 1960s, but the movement’s roots can be traced back to the turn of the century.
The purpose of this type of art is to elicit strong emotions in the audience. Performance art is a form of expression that focuses on sensation and experience. Art of this caliber is difficult to duplicate. A recording may capture the image and sound of the experience, but it will fall short of capturing the full sensory and emotional impact of a well-crafted work of art.
The iconoclastic futurists and constructivists who worked in the years leading up to World War I came up with the concept of art that is both fleeting and meant to evoke a powerful impression. These artists often worked in ephemeral media, inspired by the rapid pace of technological change. To elicit reactions from their audience, they used unconventional techniques.
During performances, Russian futurists, for example, would interact directly with their audiences. There were scripted and unscripted elements in these interactions. They were designed to elicit a wide range of strong emotions, not all of which were positive. For example, at a time when street hooligans were known to hurl scalding tea cups at onlookers, Russian futurists appeared to be doing the same. The audience would only realize their teacups were full of leaves without any water until the very last moment.
In the 1960s, a new generation of iconoclastic artists were influenced by memories of this period of artistic exploration. Yoko Ono and Andy Warhol, for example, deliberately broke artistic conventions and staged performances that were often meant to shock their audiences. They began to use their own bodies, as well as the bodies of their audiences, as part of the artistic process, a trend that has remained closely linked to the genre of performance art.
Performance art is still a popular and sometimes contentious form of art. As part of the creative process, artists have altered or injured their own bodies. As evidenced by the work of Chinese artist Zhang Huan, who is known for disturbing performance art with political overtones, the genre often remains focused on raising awareness of social or political issues.
Versions of the style that are less political and provocative focus more on simple entertainment. One example of this offshoot of the performance art movement is Chicago’s popular neo-futurists. Their work is participatory and absurd, but it aims to make people laugh rather than make them feel sad.