Durational performance

Definition

Durational performance is a form of performance art that emphasizes the length of time an artist engages in a specific action or series of actions, often challenging the limits of endurance and the relationship between the performer and the audience. This type of performance focuses on the experience of time and presence, inviting viewers to contemplate not only the physicality of the work but also its emotional and psychological dimensions. It often blurs the lines between art and life, as well as between artist and audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marina Abramović is one of the most renowned practitioners of durational performance, known for works like 'The Artist Is Present,' where she sat silently for over 700 hours in a museum.
2. Durational performances often require significant physical and mental preparation from the artist, as they must withstand fatigue, discomfort, and emotional challenges during the act.
3. The concept of time plays a crucial role in durational performances, as audiences are invited to experience not just the action but also their own perceptions of time passing.
4. These performances can create intense connections between the artist and audience, as viewers witness vulnerability and endurance in real-time, often leading to emotional responses.
5. Durational performances can take place in various settings, including galleries, theaters, or public spaces, each influencing how the work is perceived by audiences.

Review Questions

• How does Marina Abramović's use of durational performance challenge traditional notions of art and audience engagement?
  • Marina Abramović's use of durational performance challenges traditional notions of art by emphasizing presence and time over finished products. In her works, such as 'The Artist Is Present,' she invites audiences to engage deeply with both her physical presence and emotional state for extended periods. This approach transforms spectators into participants, blurring boundaries between artist and audience, while inviting them to confront their own experiences of vulnerability and endurance.
• Discuss the significance of time in durational performances and how it impacts both artists and audiences during these events.
  • Time is a central element in durational performances, impacting both artists and audiences profoundly. For artists, it requires immense physical and mental resilience as they endure long hours engaged in specific actions. For audiences, witnessing such performances alters their perception of time; they become acutely aware of its passage and may experience a range of emotions as they engage with the artist's process. This shared experience creates a unique bond between performers and viewers, making time itself a crucial component of the artwork.
• Evaluate how durational performance can serve as a form of social commentary within contemporary art practices.
  • Durational performance can serve as a powerful form of social commentary by addressing themes like endurance, vulnerability, and human connection in today's society. Through long-term engagement in their work, artists often reflect on societal issues such as pain, trauma, or collective experience. For instance, Abramović’s performances can highlight human resilience in the face of adversity or critique modern disconnection through prolonged interaction. By engaging audiences for extended periods, these performances challenge viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about societal structures, ultimately encouraging reflection and dialogue about critical contemporary issues.

Related terms

Performance Art: An art form that combines visual art with dramatic performance, where artists use their bodies, actions, and environment to convey artistic expression.

Endurance Art: A genre of performance art where the artist pushes their physical limits through prolonged activities, testing their strength and resilience.

Audience Participation: A practice in performance art where viewers are invited to interact or engage with the work, creating a dynamic relationship between the performer and the audience.