Performance Assignment

(Vito Acconi's "Blindfolded Catching")


"Performance art is art in which the actions of an individual or a group at a particular place and in a particular time constitute the work. It can happen anywhere, at any time, or for any length of time. Performance art can be any situation that involves four basic elements: time, space, the performer's body and a relationship between performer and audience."  


Performance Parameters and Requirements:

-Your performance will be done in class next Thursday, Febrary 4th
(it must be designed for our classroom space in Cohen...what makes sense or does not make sense for that space? keep in mind that the space itself may not be altered in any way!)

-Your performance must be between 1 and 5 minutes long
(no shorter! no longer!)

-You may work alone, or with up to two other people
(groups cannot be larger than 3 people!)

-You must incorporate at least one object into the performance
(that object should be the inspiration for your performance...how can you interact with it in a interesting/unique way?)

-You may incorporate audience interaction/participation into the piece if you choose
(but how will you let us know what we're supposed to do? will there be verbal or written instructions?)

-Plan for a "beginning" and an "ending"
(how will we know when it's happening or when it's over?)

- Rehearse!
(next Thursday should not be the first time you try whatever it is you're going to do, unless it relies heavily on audience participation...even then, there must be something you can rehearse!)

-Plan your documentation in advance
(this will only happen once, so choose a friend who's not in the performance to take pictures for you, and let them know what to expect, and what you want them to capture....this will be the only record of the event, and what will be posted on the blog, so it's extremely important!)


Videos you need to watch ASAP:

Yoko Ono's "Cut Piece"
William Lamson's "Vital Capacity"
Roman Signer's "Sleeping" (and the other "Roman Signer's Suitcase" videos on the right side)
Matt McAllister's  "Most T-Shirts Worn at One Time" (he holds the Guiness World Record!)
Jean Marc Heim's "Va et Vient" (the last minute and a half is especially relevant)
Kelly Mark's "Demonstration"
Prinz Gholam's "Ein Ding Mehr"
Sony Bravia's Bouncy Ball Commercial (for fun)

(Kate Gilmore's "My Love is An Anchor")