Performance Art: The Role of the Artist in Creation
The very nature of performance art has long been a topic of philosophical and critical debate. A central question often revolves around the necessity of an artist's active presence in their work. Is performance art truly 'performance art' if the artist does not participate in its creation?
Choreographers, Directors, and Performance Art
In the world of performance art, it is important to recognize the contributions of predecessors such as choreographers and directors. Choreographers, like directors in film and theater, guide and shape the final presentation without necessarily being on stage or personally involved in every moment of performance. Similarly, the concept of performance art should not be confined to the active participation of the artist, but rather lie in the conceptualization and direction of the work.
As a performance artist with over 40 years of experience, I have often been present, even if not always visible. However, I have started to question the necessity of constant active involvement. If the artist provides detailed instructions to performers, allowing their unique contributions and interpretations to dictate the outcome, can the work still be considered a performance art piece?
Artworks Without the Artist's Active Presence
A fascinating example of performance art that doesn’t require the active presence of the artist is the piece 'Hjalteyri Scales' created at the Hjalteyri Art Centre in north Iceland. Four small children were given instructions to perform, which led to chaos and unexpected outcomes. My role was minimal, acting more as an observer and intervener through a hole in the floor of the room above. Despite my limited direct involvement, the results were nothing short of brilliant.
Another noteworthy example is a performance evening curated at the Jan van Eyck Academy of Fine Art, where I invited performers from around the globe using Skype. The audience was invited to actively participate, and despite my own absence, the event was a success. These examples emphasize that performance art can thrive without the artist’s continuous active presence, instead relying on the performers' interpretations and the overall conceptual framework.
Exploring the Boundaries of Art
The question of whether an artist's active presence is necessary in performance art touches on deeper issues regarding the definition of art itself. The 20th century saw numerous explorations of the term 'art,' leading to a wide array of definitions that include music, paintings, sculptures, and even more avant-garde forms.
Art has evolved to encompass a multitude of expressions, and any piece can be deemed art if it meets the criteria set by various artistic movements. For instance, when a composer writes music, they are providing a set of instructions for musicians to follow. Similarly, the role of a performance artist is to provide clear instructions or a conceptual framework, even if they do not physically participate in the performance.
Ultimately, the performance artist’s role is not confined to direct participation but extends to the creation of a unique experience that others can interpret and execute in their own way. This flexibility and openness to interpretation contribute to the richness and diversity of performance art.