Week 7

 Khan Academy Performance Art An Introduction 

"Shiraga Kazuo, Challenging Mud (Doro ni idomu)" is a retrospective exhibition of the work of the Japanese artist Shiraga Kazuo, who was known for his abstract, expressionistic paintings created using his feet and whole body. The exhibition is named after one of Shiraga's most famous works, "Challenging Mud," which was created in 1955 and involved the artist smearing his body with mud and then painting on a large canvas with his feet. The resulting painting is a frenzied, dynamic composition of bold lines and splatters, evoking a sense of energy and movement. The exhibition features a selection of Shiraga's works from the 1950s to the 2000s, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures. It highlights the artist's unique approach to painting, which involved using his whole body to create bold, gestural strokes and explore the physicality of the painting process. Shiraga was part of the Gutai group, an avant-garde collective of artists based in Japan in the 1950s and 60s who sought to push the boundaries of art by exploring new techniques and materials. "Challenging Mud" is seen as a seminal work of Gutai art and a testament to the group's commitment to experimentation and innovation. Overall, "Shiraga Kazuo, Challenging Mud" is a celebration of an artist who was not afraid to take risks and explore the full potential of his medium. Through his bold and energetic works, Shiraga challenged traditional notions of painting and paved the way for a new generation of artists.

"Bill Viola: The Crossing" is a video installation created by the American artist Bill Viola. The work features two large video projections, each showing a figure slowly walking towards the camera before disappearing into a pool of water. The installation is inspired by the Christian idea of death and rebirth, and explores themes of transcendence, transformation, and spirituality. The figures in the video projections are seen as crossing a threshold from one world to another, moving from the physical world to the spiritual realm. Viola's use of water in the installation is significant, as it is often associated with cleansing and purification in religious traditions. The sound of water is also a prominent feature in the work, adding to the sense of immersion and transformation. Viola is known for his immersive, multi-channel video installations that explore human experience and consciousness. His work often incorporates elements of spirituality and mysticism, drawing on a range of traditions and beliefs. "The Crossing" is considered one of Viola's most powerful and moving works, and has been shown in a number of galleries and museums around the world. Its immersive nature and thought-provoking themes invite viewers to contemplate the nature of existence and the human experience.

Yoko Ono Influence

https://www.widewalls.ch/magazine/yoko-ono-art-story

“Even though she was frequently criticized and even ostracized by the press and the public, she fought her way through all the hardships with her creativity and challenging artwork. The simplicity of her work may have been derided for years, but it is exactly that which makes it greatly accessible.”

This quote is describing the artist Yoko Ono, who faced a lot of criticism and rejection from the media and the public because of her unconventional and challenging artwork. Despite all the difficulties, Yoko Ono persisted and continued to create art that was simple yet powerful. The quote is saying that Yoko Ono's artwork was often criticized for its simplicity, but it was precisely this quality that made it more accessible to a wider audience. Her work was not elitist or exclusive but instead could be understood and appreciated by anyone who took the time to engage with it. The quote is essentially highlighting Yoko Ono's resilience in the face of adversity and her ability to use her creativity to connect with people through her art. Despite the challenges she faced, Yoko Ono continued to produce work that was meaningful and impactful, and this is what ultimately made her a celebrated artist.

"One of her most famous artworks, Cut Piece, still remains as a precursor to a myriad of feminist and body-centered art pieces and performances. Interestingly enough, this artwork also displays her deep influence of Zen Buddhism, as Ono stated recently, when she was creating the controversial piece, she was originally thinking of Buddha and how he gave everything up. It wasn’t uncommon for Yoko to draw parallels between spiritual and religious practices and artistic creation."

One of her most well-known works is called "Cut Piece," which was a performance piece that involved Ono sitting still while audience members were invited to approach her and cut away pieces of her clothing with scissors. The quote suggests that "Cut Piece" was a groundbreaking work that paved the way for many other feminist and body-centered art pieces and performances that followed. It also suggests that there was a spiritual or religious aspect to the work, as Ono drew parallels between the act of giving everything up, which was inspired by Buddha, and the act of creating art. This connection between Zen Buddhism and artistic creation is not unusual for Ono, according to the quote. It suggests that she often saw parallels between spiritual or religious practices and the act of creating art, which influenced her work.

Interview with Shaun Leonardo:

"Movement is not only a basic human right but also an integral aspect of how we engage with the world." - Shaun Leonardo, The Freedom to Move.

This quote by Shaun Leonardo emphasizes the importance of movement in human life. The author suggests that movement is not only a fundamental right for every human being but also a crucial element of how we interact with the world around us. By stating that movement is a basic human right, the author is implying that every individual has the inherent freedom to move and explore their environment. Movement is an essential part of being human, and everyone deserves to have the opportunity to experience it fully. Furthermore, the author is suggesting that movement is not only a physical act but also an integral aspect of how we engage with the world. Movement allows us to navigate our environment, communicate, and express ourselves. Without movement, we would be limited in our ability to experience and interact with the world. In summary, this quote highlights the importance of movement as a the fundamental aspect of human life and emphasizes the importance of recognizing it as a basic human right.

"Movement is a tool for us to uncover, discover, and recover." - Shaun Leonardo, The Freedom to Move.

In this quote, Shaun Leonardo suggests that movement can be used as a powerful tool for personal growth and development. He argues that movement can be used as a means to uncover new experiences, discover new insights, and recover from past traumas. The phrase "uncover, discover, and recover" suggests that movement can be used in three distinct ways. Firstly, movement can be used to "uncover" new experiences or aspects of oneself. By exploring different forms of movement, individuals can uncover new physical abilities, emotions, and perspectives. Secondly, movement can be used to "discover" new insights about oneself and the world. Through movement, individuals can gain new perspectives and understand about their bodies, minds, and the environments they interact with. Finally, movement can be used to "recover" from past traumas or experiences. Movement can help individuals to release pent-up emotions, reduce stress, and promote healing.Overall, this quote highlights the transformative power of movement and suggests that it can be a valuable tool for personal growth and healing.