Detecting the Limitations of Performance: Performance Art as a Neo-Shamanistic Ritual

Whilst numerous instances of performance art since the 1960s have propelled it into the realm of contemporary expression, articulating a precise academic definition for this art form rooted in its actions rather than in how the art is performed proves challenging. Detecting the limits of performance...

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Main Authors: Elif Dastarlı, İlkay Canan Okkalı
Format: Article
Language:deu
Published: Istanbul University Press 2024-06-01
Series:Sanat Tarihi Yıllığı
Subjects:
Online Access:https://cdn.istanbul.edu.tr/file/JTA6CLJ8T5/5A6B63250807489098D7532AEA8B6E10
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author Elif Dastarlı
İlkay Canan Okkalı
author_facet Elif Dastarlı
İlkay Canan Okkalı
author_sort Elif Dastarlı
collection DOAJ
description Whilst numerous instances of performance art since the 1960s have propelled it into the realm of contemporary expression, articulating a precise academic definition for this art form rooted in its actions rather than in how the art is performed proves challenging. Detecting the limits of performance as a type of visual art is difficult because various theories (e.g., ritual studies, theatre theories) have linked performance art to ancient rituals, which complicates the delineation of performance within the visual art spectrum. Conversely, a yearning to reconnect with nature, which is lost in the modern milieu, has given rise to performances styled as neo-shamanist rituals. Examining whether performance art, which is conceived as a modern secular artistic production, has truly distanced itself from its ritualistic origins, particularly by scrutinizing instances where it aligns with shamanic rituals, is a viable avenue of exploration. This article seeks to cultivate an analytical and critical approach to performance art by delving into its ritualistic foundations to ascertain its position within the overarching concept of contemporary art. The study scrutinizes the connections of performance art with theatre, assesses Wagner’s proposition of Gesamtkunstwerk [total work of art], and unveils the contributions of avant-garde movements to the evolution of performance art. The article endeavors to provide a categorical definition of performance art as a genre wherein the method and form dictate the relationship between content and narrative. In this context, the article uses performance exemplars to examines the linguistic expressions of artists well-versed in Shamanism who identify as neo-shamans and draw inspiration from research into pagan religions. This exploration reveals the role of performance art in the resurgence of new age beliefs.
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spelling doaj-art-a273ee7946584f17bb6ac853d6ddd3552025-08-20T02:14:19ZdeuIstanbul University PressSanat Tarihi Yıllığı2717-69402024-06-0133214710.26650/sty.2024.1419851123456Detecting the Limitations of Performance: Performance Art as a Neo-Shamanistic RitualElif Dastarlı0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4033-9055İlkay Canan Okkalı1https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1817-4060Sakarya Uygulamalı Bilimler Üniversitesi, Sakarya, TurkiyeTrabzon Üniversitesi, Trabzon, TurkiyeWhilst numerous instances of performance art since the 1960s have propelled it into the realm of contemporary expression, articulating a precise academic definition for this art form rooted in its actions rather than in how the art is performed proves challenging. Detecting the limits of performance as a type of visual art is difficult because various theories (e.g., ritual studies, theatre theories) have linked performance art to ancient rituals, which complicates the delineation of performance within the visual art spectrum. Conversely, a yearning to reconnect with nature, which is lost in the modern milieu, has given rise to performances styled as neo-shamanist rituals. Examining whether performance art, which is conceived as a modern secular artistic production, has truly distanced itself from its ritualistic origins, particularly by scrutinizing instances where it aligns with shamanic rituals, is a viable avenue of exploration. This article seeks to cultivate an analytical and critical approach to performance art by delving into its ritualistic foundations to ascertain its position within the overarching concept of contemporary art. The study scrutinizes the connections of performance art with theatre, assesses Wagner’s proposition of Gesamtkunstwerk [total work of art], and unveils the contributions of avant-garde movements to the evolution of performance art. The article endeavors to provide a categorical definition of performance art as a genre wherein the method and form dictate the relationship between content and narrative. In this context, the article uses performance exemplars to examines the linguistic expressions of artists well-versed in Shamanism who identify as neo-shamans and draw inspiration from research into pagan religions. This exploration reveals the role of performance art in the resurgence of new age beliefs.https://cdn.istanbul.edu.tr/file/JTA6CLJ8T5/5A6B63250807489098D7532AEA8B6E10performance artshamanismritualtotal work of artnew age beliefs
spellingShingle Elif Dastarlı
İlkay Canan Okkalı
Detecting the Limitations of Performance: Performance Art as a Neo-Shamanistic Ritual
Sanat Tarihi Yıllığı
performance art
shamanism
ritual
total work of art
new age beliefs
title Detecting the Limitations of Performance: Performance Art as a Neo-Shamanistic Ritual
title_full Detecting the Limitations of Performance: Performance Art as a Neo-Shamanistic Ritual
title_fullStr Detecting the Limitations of Performance: Performance Art as a Neo-Shamanistic Ritual
title_full_unstemmed Detecting the Limitations of Performance: Performance Art as a Neo-Shamanistic Ritual
title_short Detecting the Limitations of Performance: Performance Art as a Neo-Shamanistic Ritual
title_sort detecting the limitations of performance performance art as a neo shamanistic ritual
topic performance art
shamanism
ritual
total work of art
new age beliefs
url https://cdn.istanbul.edu.tr/file/JTA6CLJ8T5/5A6B63250807489098D7532AEA8B6E10
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