Performance Art

Catalog description

Performance Art is a nebulous term. Its "true" origins are debated between the radical conceptual works of the 1960s/70s and the early 20th century performances by the constructivists, Futurists, and Dadaists. It often defies definition because many different practices are included in its category. In this course, students from all backgrounds will be introduced to the varied history of Performance Art. It is through this history that in-class assignments will be given. Students should expect to leave their comfort zone and access complex tools for communication. Each week we will focus on a different theme to inspire the creation of live artworks. This is a class for folly, failure, self-realization, joy, the curious.... By engaging in Performance Art, students will gain a better understanding of how living art can change our perspectives on ourselves and the world.