Beyond the Canvas Performance Art and its Impact on Social Awareness

Kesolei Serote^*
*Correspondence: Kesolei Serote, Department of Geography, Tourism and Territorial Planning, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania, Email:

Keywords

Crucial role • Politically charged • Dynamic

Introduction

Performance art can trace its roots to the early 20th century, where avantgarde movements like Dadaism and Futurism challenged conventional artistic boundaries. The use of live actions, often involving the artist's body, marked a departure from traditional mediums. However, it wasn't until the 1960s and 1970s that performance art gained prominence as a distinct genre. Artists like Yoko Ono, Marina Abramović, and Joseph Beuys pushed the boundaries of artistic expression by incorporating elements of time, space, and audience interaction. These pioneers paved the way for a new era of art that transcended the confines of canvas and sculpture. Over the decades, performance art has evolved and diversified, embracing a wide range of styles and themes. From the politically charged performances of the 1960s, such as the anti-war protests and feminist movements, to the more recent focus on identity, climate change, and globalization, performance art continues to reflect the changing dynamics of society [1,2]. Notable contemporary artists like Ai Weiwei, Tania Bruguera, and Ragnar Kjartansson use performance as a means of addressing pressing social issues. The medium's adaptability allows artists to respond rapidly to current events, making it a dynamic and relevant form of expression.

Literature Review

One of the defining features of performance art is its ability to break down the barrier between the artist and the audience. Unlike traditional art forms where the viewer is a passive observer, performance art often requires active participation or direct engagement. This interactivity creates a unique and immersive experience that fosters a deeper connection between the artwork and the observer. Artists like Abramović, known for her durational performances, often invite the audience to become an integral part of the artwork. This direct engagement challenges the traditional notion of art as something to be viewed from a distance, encouraging a more personal and immediate connection [3,4].

Discussion

Performance art's power lies in its ability to provoke thought and elicit emotional responses. By addressing social issues directly, artists can bring attention to topics that may be overlooked or ignored. Through their performances, artists become advocates for change, using their creativity to shed light on issues ranging from human rights and environmental degradation to racial inequality and political unrest. One example is the work of Tania Bruguera, whose politically charged performances often tackle issues of power and censorship. By immersing herself in the lived experiences of different communities, Bruguera creates powerful narratives that resonate with audiences on a visceral level. This visceral connection is a key element in the effectiveness of performance art as a tool for social awareness [5,6].

Conclusion

In recent years, performance artists have increasingly focused on issues of identity, including race, gender, sexuality, and cultural heritage. Through their performances, artists explore the complexities of identity in a rapidly changing world, challenging societal norms and expectations. In her groundbreaking work, "The Kitchen Table Series," artist Carrie Mae Weems uses photography and performance to explore the intersectionality of race and gender. Weems transforms the kitchen table, a traditionally domestic space, into a stage for profound reflections on identity, family, and societal expectations. Beyond the Canvas, Performance Art has proven itself to be a powerful catalyst for social awareness and change. From its roots in the avant-garde movements of the 20th century to the contemporary performances addressing pressing global issues, artists have embraced the medium's potential to engage, provoke, and inspire. As performance art continues to push boundaries, challenge norms, and break down the barriers between artist and audience, its impact on social awareness will undoubtedly endure, leaving an indelible mark on the everevolving landscape of contemporary art.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

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