Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Flux Films & Performance Art



















Well from what we've seen as performance art in this class thus far, I have to say it is all more than a little disturbing.  I get the significance and time-related importance of the pieces we viewed, but am still a little shocked by how far people are willing to take their bodies in the name of art.  A video that can't seem to leave my mind is "Expanding in Space" by Marina Abramovic.  It is so disturbing and yet fascinating at the same time.  I only wonder what effects the piece had on the performers after.

Chris Burden's "Shoot" film was also one that displays pain and endurance.  I found this one to be a little too ridiculous in my mind.  Just turn on the news or an action movie and you can see a man being shot in the arm any day.

Aside for all of these older performances and artists, the documentary "Beware Live Art" that we viewed gave a much easier side of performance art to watch.  This displayed art that is a little easier to understand and much less about hurting yourself, and more about showing endurance and making a statement out in the public eye, instead of in a theater or on just on film.

Stelarc, although a current performance artist, he is still one that chooses to work with pushing his body to harmful limits.  Using hooks to keep his body afloat or installing a third ear on his body just truly boggles my mind.  I think it is just taking it too far and asking for a lot of unnecessary attention.

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