Week 1 Readings: Performance Art, Interview, and The Founding and Manifesto of Futurism

Performance Art - By: Martha Wilson

In Martha Wilson's article, she discusses her opinion about performance art and when she believed it originated. Even though there is no exact date as to when it started, Wilson gave me a lot of insight about the history and beginning of performance art. She discusses the idea that performance art occurs in the "now" and in real time. It is about the body and the actual experience rather than the final product. In the second paragraph Wilson states "In my experience, performance artists are not the kind of people who wish to be discovered in the garrets but, rather, hope to change the world". I somewhat agree with Wilson's opinion, I do not believe that all performance artists are necessarily looking for fame but rather make an impact on the viewer and anyone who experiences the art. Personally, I believe that reaching out to one person is enough to have an effect on the world.

Women in Performance Art

An Interview with Allan Kaprow

This reading is an interview that took place in 1988 during the "Proceedings" symposium in Dallas. The dialog took place between John Held and Allan Kaprow and the two discuss Kaprow's experience in the art world. I found it interesting to explore the different events in his life that helped shape his art. The most interesting part of his life that was brought up in this interview was how he began attending John Cage's classes. It was such a simple invitation from Cage himself that led to a beneficial experience. Kaprow also touches upon a few good points in the interview. I agree with his opinion on how the word performance is typically perceived. Most people today do relate the word to a play or concert, etc. Even now, after 20 years, performance is still referred to as a form of entertainment rather than a form of art.

Allan Kaprow (1927-2006)



The Founding and Manifesto of Futurism - F.T Marinetti

Upon my first attempt at reading this article by Marinetti I was slightly confused and intimidated. The way the piece was written was very creative but it took me a while to fully understand what was really going on, once I overcame this obstacle I was able to appreciate the article. It was more interesting to read in comparison to a typical informative article. I enjoyed reading a futurist's view on the art world, however I don't really agree with everything the author discusses. He argues a good point about the museum but I wouldn't exactly go to the extreme of comparing it to a cemetery. I don't think it is necessary to destroy every museum and library. I believe that museums and libraries both help expose people to art that they may otherwise have been unable to view.

NY Times Article