The Case for Performance Art | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

The video explores the evolution of performance art, from its historical roots to contemporary practices. It highlights key movements and figures, such as the Italian futurists, Dada artists, and the Fluxus movement, emphasizing the role of performance art in challenging traditional art forms and societal norms. The video also discusses the impact of performance art in the 1960s and 70s, particularly in relation to civil rights and feminism, and its continued relevance today as a medium that resists commercialization and encourages direct audience engagement.

What is performance art primarily characterized by?

• Sculpture and drawing

• The use of digital media

• The body as a medium or live action

• Traditional painting techniques

Which institution was the first to offer a specific performance class?

• Black Mountain College

• Rube Gallery

• Cafe Voltaire

• The Bauhaus

Who proposed that ordinary movements like walking could be considered dance?

• Kazuo Shiraga

• Yves Klein

• Merce Cunningham

• John Cage

How did performance art serve marginalized groups in the 1960s and 1970s?

• By providing financial support

• By offering a platform to express identities

• By focusing on traditional art forms

• By avoiding political themes

What was a key focus of performance artists interested in phenomenology?

• Avoiding live performances

• Developing new painting techniques

• Exploring consciousness from specific viewpoints

• Creating universal perspectives

What is a common characteristic of contemporary performance art?

• Strict adherence to traditional forms

• Focus on digital technology

• Exclusively solo performances

• Resistance to commercial forces

What is the intended effect of performance art on its audience?

• To provide comfort and relaxation

• To evoke feelings of discomfort and introspection

• To entertain with predictable outcomes

• To showcase technical perfection