Although Vito is known for his performance art, his initial interest centered on poetry. Acconci eventually found his center through the interpretation of performance art. He explored his body as well as surroundings, in order to create something unique and different. Vito’s approach often included some sort of bodily arrangement. In his later years, Acconci created physical art pieces that are still around today. The common theme within each performance piece is Vito’s ability to put his viewer/ audience in an uncomfortable position. When I first saw Vito Acconci perform it was the piece Theme Song. The performance is based around Acconci drawing the viewer into his world and then making them feel uncomfortable and unable to leave. I felt as if there was no escape and that he was in total control. Even if the performance was creepy and nerve ending to watch, it is amazing how one person, 40 years away, can still impact a viewer in such a way. I feel as if Acconci wants nothing more than to grasp every bit of attention his audience can muster. I truly feel that Acconci is not necessarily looking for “THE” reaction, but rather ALL reactions. Seeing as every person is different, I believe the artist thought he could create a new and different art based on new and different viewers each time the piece was experienced. The feeling and reactions alone are the purist forms of Acconci’s art, which in short turns his legacy into the art piece that survives within those who have experienced them.
Although Vito is known for his performance art, his initial interest centered on poetry. Acconci eventually found his center through the interpretation of performance art. He explored his body as well as surroundings, in order to create something unique and different. Vito’s approach often included some sort of bodily arrangement. In his later years, Acconci created physical art pieces that are still around today. The common theme within each performance piece is Vito’s ability to put his viewer/ audience in an uncomfortable position.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first saw Vito Acconci perform it was the piece Theme Song. The performance is based around Acconci drawing the viewer into his world and then making them feel uncomfortable and unable to leave. I felt as if there was no escape and that he was in total control. Even if the performance was creepy and nerve ending to watch, it is amazing how one person, 40 years away, can still impact a viewer in such a way. I feel as if Acconci wants nothing more than to grasp every bit of attention his audience can muster.
I truly feel that Acconci is not necessarily looking for “THE” reaction, but rather ALL reactions. Seeing as every person is different, I believe the artist thought he could create a new and different art based on new and different viewers each time the piece was experienced. The feeling and reactions alone are the purist forms of Acconci’s art, which in short turns his legacy into the art piece that survives within those who have experienced them.