[Estetika-18]: "PERFORMANCE ART" - Bambang I. Sugiharto

Summary

The transcript explores the evolution of performance art, tracing its roots from the aftermath of World War II and the Dada movement. It discusses how artists began using their bodies as the medium for artistic expression, shifting away from traditional forms like canvas and sculpture. Examples of impactful performance art, such as a piece on immigration and social issues, are highlighted. The video also touches on the broader influence of social movements, including a project aimed at transforming a trash-filled village into a cultural hub. Ultimately, the discussion reveals how performance art has evolved from a physical act to a powerful, socially engaged form of expression.

Takeaways

• 😀 Performance art emerged after World War II as a departure from traditional 2D and static mediums like paintings and sculptures.
• 😀 Instead of relying on external objects, performance artists began using their own bodies to convey meaning and evoke emotional responses.
• 😀 One key example of performance art is the use of symbolic, poetic actions to critique societal issues, even if these actions are not immediately understood.
• 😀 Performance art is distinct from traditional 'performing arts' (like theater, dance, and concerts) and aims to provoke thought or inspire change.
• 😀 Artists use their performances to address real-world issues, such as immigration, ecological consciousness, and social justice.
• 😀 A famous example involved a performance artist in Italy who posed as an immigrant street vendor to highlight the struggles of marginalized communities.
• 😀 In Jakarta, another performance artist used public nudity and taking photos with spectators to comment on society's obsession with spectacle and visibility.
• 😀 Some contemporary artists, like Tisna Sanjaya in Bandung, are blending social activism with art by transforming environments, such as converting a landfill into a cultural village.
• 😀 Art is increasingly being seen as a tool for social transformation rather than simply a visual object to be appreciated.
• 😀 The boundaries between traditional art forms and social movements have blurred, with performance art becoming an effective means of engaging with political and ecological issues.

Q & A

What is the difference between 'performing art' and 'performance art' as discussed in the transcript?

'Performing art' refers to stage arts like theater, music, and concerts, while 'performance art' is a specific movement that involves symbolic and poetic body movements to express a deeper meaning, often without traditional materials like canvas or sculptures.

What is the significance of using the human body in performance art as mentioned in the transcript?

Post-World War II artists began questioning why not use the human body itself as the medium for artistic expression. This shift led to 'performance art,' where bodily actions and movements convey symbolic and poetic messages.

How does the artist Monica address the issue of immigration in her performance?

Monica uses performance art to highlight the struggles of immigrants in Italy, especially street vendors who live under constant fear of police raids. She adopts the role of a street vendor to draw attention to this societal issue.

Why is the act of licking the earth described as significant in the performance piece?

The act of licking the earth is a powerful symbol of communication with nature, specifically addressing ecological concerns and the need for a deeper connection and awareness of the environment.

What does the artist's act of being naked in the forest represent in the performance?

The artist’s nudity in the forest aims to challenge societal norms and provoke a reaction from viewers, symbolizing the vulnerability of human existence and the complex relationship between individuals and society.

How does performance art play a role in modern society, according to the transcript?

Performance art has evolved to incorporate social movements, where artists use their actions to engage with contemporary issues like immigration, ecology, and social empowerment. These works transcend traditional art forms by integrating real-world concerns into the art itself.

What is the role of public perception in performance art as described in the transcript?

Public perception is integral to performance art as it often involves provocative or challenging actions that invite viewers to interpret and react. This engagement is a key element in creating meaningful and impactful artwork.

What is Tisna Sanjaya's contribution to performance art, and how does it differ from traditional art forms?

Tisna Sanjaya's project involves transforming the Cigondewah village, a plastic waste dump, into a cultural village. This work is an example of performance art that focuses on social engagement and environmental change rather than creating traditional art installations.

How does the transcript describe the evolution of art movements after World War II?

After World War II, art movements began to move away from traditional forms and materials, with performance art emerging as a significant development. Artists began using their bodies, environments, and social contexts as mediums for artistic expression.

What role does the concept of 'movement' play in contemporary art as mentioned in the transcript?

In contemporary art, especially performance art, 'movement' is central as it moves away from physical objects and focuses on the symbolic and emotional power of actions, social engagement, and collective experiences.