Performance Art Post-Christopher McVicar

Yoko Ono - A Groundbreaking Artist, Activist and Fighter

"Even her earlier pieces often demanded the viewers’ participation and forced them to become involved with the artwork."

Yoko Ono is incredibly bold. Demanding viewers' participation and involvement within an artwork is crucial because it transforms observation into active engagement. This interaction fosters a deeper emotional connection, allowing individuals to experience art personally and uniquely. It challenges traditional boundaries, encouraging critical thinking and dialogue about the themes presented. Furthermore, participatory art can democratize the creative process, inviting diverse perspectives and enriching the overall experience. Ultimately, it empowers viewers, making them co-creators and enhancing the artwork's impact and relevance in contemporary society.

"Her style often included “dematerialization of the art object.”

Dematerializing art refers to the shift from physical objects to intangible forms, like conceptual works, an area Yoko Ono thrives. This transformation challenges traditional notions of ownership, scarcity, and value, broadening access and new ways of engaging with art. It allows artists to explore innovative mediums, breaking down boundaries of space and time. 

Even today this phenomenon is relevant. In a digital age, dematerialization also reflects the evolving relationship between art and technology, emphasizing ideas over physical presence and fostering global, inclusive dialogues.

Interview with Shaun Leonardo - Performance, Pedagogy, and Philosophy

"As an educator, I found it equally important to share the work of my colleagues and those artists of color that inspired me"

This quote underscores the transformative power of diverse representation in education. The speaker highlights the importance of exposing both white and students of color to the work of artists from marginalized backgrounds, suggesting that such exposure broadens worldviews. By emphasizing inclusivity, it challenges the notion that art and culture are only for certain groups, practicing empathy and understanding across racial divides.

"Artists need to take in, to process, to decipher, to separate from the noise and create things that are beautiful and impactful to the spirit"

I resonate personally with this quote. It emphasizes the artist's role in filtering external influences to produce meaningful work. It suggests that true artistry requires deep reflection and discernment, transcending the noise of modern life. The focus on beauty and spiritual impact suggests that art should resonate on an emotional and profound level, not just aesthetically.

"Pass the Salt"

1. Have a long table extending a full hallway in a school building

2. Place two microphones and two chairs at the distant heads of the table. No other chairs nor people present at table

3. Prepare a dinner for two and watch as the two eat in silence

4. Throughout the dinner, each participant will say meaningless remarks you might hear at a family get-together like: 

"Wow, you got so big"

"Pass the Salt"

"How's School"

"Do you have a job?"

5. Only one-word responses are allowed to each question or statement 

6. Repeat until dinner is complete and leave plates/silverware on table

7. Say "Good to see you, again" into the microphone before leaving in opposite directions