Performance Art Definition

 

    According to Merriam-Webster, performance art is defined as "a nontraditional art form often with political or topical themes that typically features a live presentation to an audience or onlooker and draws on such arts as acting, poetry, music, dance, or painting." While I agree with this definition, I believe it is hard to truly define performance art. It can come in so many forms, including some that others would look at and not classify as art at all. It provokes a specific emotion in the audience and aims to leave the viewers with a new perspective. 

    I really admire those who can go out in public and perform a piece. I love to perform in front of people but there is usually a specific event in which I do so. A lot of performance artists just go out on the street to perform for a random audience. While I believe this is effective in getting a message across, since viewers were not expecting to view anything, it's really something I couldn't see myself doing! This video performance art piece is really appealing to me simply because I love performing and get the chance to do a performance piece, without worrying about doing it in front of random people.