Reconstructing Performance Art: Practices of Historicisation, Documentation and Representation

This book explores the practices of reconstructing and representing performance art, examining its power to shape the art form and our understanding of it. It brings together international scholars from various disciplinary fields to examine methods, media, and approaches for capturing the processes and strategies for transmitting the tangible and intangible heritage of performance art. It is of great appeal to students, researchers, and practitioners in Theatre and Performance Studies, Visual Arts, and Art History.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 12 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Performance art, a vibrant and interdisciplinary art form that emerged internationally between the 1960s and 1970s, has sparked an ongoing debate regarding its documentation, preservation, and display. Tancredi Gusman, a renowned scholar, has brought together a diverse group of international scholars from various disciplinary fields to explore the methods, media, and approaches employed in representing and (re)activating performance art over time. Through a series of contributions and case studies spanning diverse countries, regions, and artistic fields, the authors present an innovative theoretical-methodological framework for capturing the processes and strategies for transmitting the tangible and intangible heritage of performance art.

This book holds immense appeal to students, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of Theatre and Performance Studies, as well as Visual Arts and Art History, who have a deep interest in performance art, its historical significance, and its ongoing presence in the contemporary artistic and cultural landscape. By delving into the practices of reconstructing and representing performance art, this book offers valuable insights into the power of this art form to shape our understanding and appreciation of it.

The emergence of performance art marked a significant shift in artistic practices, as it blurred the boundaries between performing arts and visual arts. This interdisciplinary nature of performance art posed a challenge to the established ontologies and paradigms of these fields, leading to an ongoing debate on the most effective methods for documenting, preserving, and displaying it. Tancredi Gusman's book aims to address this debate by bringing together a diverse range of scholars who specialize in different aspects of performance art.

Through their contributions and case studies, the authors provide a comprehensive exploration of the methods, media, and approaches employed in representing and (re)activating performance art. The book offers a rich tapestry of insights, from historical accounts of early performance art movements to contemporary practices that push the boundaries of artistic expression. The authors also outline an innovative theoretical-methodological framework for capturing the processes and strategies for transmitting the tangible and intangible heritage of performance art.

This framework is grounded in a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of performance art, recognizing its unique qualities and challenges. It encompasses a range of approaches, including documentation, preservation, exhibition, and performance analysis, and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the art form's historical, cultural, and social significance.

One of the key strengths of this book is its transnational approach, which emphasizes the global nature of performance art and its impact on various artistic and cultural contexts. The authors explore the ways in which performance art has been represented and (re)activated across different regions and countries, highlighting the diverse ways in which it has been interpreted and understood. This transnational perspective adds depth and richness to the book, providing a broader understanding of the art form's global significance.

Furthermore, the book's contributions and case studies are grounded in a rigorous academic approach, employing a range of theoretical frameworks and methodologies. The authors draw on a wealth of literature and research to provide a comprehensive analysis of performance art, and their insights are supported by empirical evidence and case studies from various artistic fields. This academic rigor ensures that the book offers a reliable and authoritative source of information for students, researchers, and practitioners interested in performance art.

In conclusion, Tancredi Gusman's book is a groundbreaking exploration of the practices of reconstructing and representing performance art. By bringing together a diverse group of international scholars from various disciplinary fields, the book offers a comprehensive and innovative theoretical-methodological framework for capturing the processes and strategies for transmitting the tangible and intangible heritage of performance art. This book will be of great appeal to students, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of Theatre and Performance Studies, as well as Visual Arts and Art History, who have a deep interest in performance art, its history, and its ongoing presence in the contemporary artistic and cultural landscape.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032231341