The term “performance art” emerged around the 1970s while its origin as an early 20th-century art form is thought to have emerged around the 1910s with the history of Futurism and cabaret performances.
Perhaps one of the most celebrated performance artists of the 20th century, Joseph Beuys was a prolific member of the Fluxus movement, who held his first signature performance titled How to Explain Pictures to a Dead Hare in 1965.
Nam June Paik was regarded as one of the most famous late 20th century performance artists, who championed works such as Electronic Superhighway: Continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii (1995).
Ono’s works are also conceptual and diaristic, which makes her work profound in an autobiographical sense. Through affect, agency, and aura, Yoko Ono also draws inspiration from her private life.
Abramović is recognized for her public performances which traverse themes of identity, love, endurance, spirituality, feminism, and audience engagement.
Piper’s work explores her experience of Black identity as a woman, who faced different forms of otherness for her light skin and straight hair, and left her in a position of being perceived as “not Black enough”.
Widely known for his somewhat extreme approach to performance, Hsieh’s work is poignant as he fully dedicates his life and body to fulfilling his artistic intentions.