Body art

Body art
Name	Body art
Major figures	Marina Abramović, Chris Burden, Yves Klein
Related	Performance art, Tattooing, Body piercing

Body art. It is a broad term for artistic practices that use the human body as the primary medium or canvas. These works often explore themes of identity, mortality, and social norms, existing at the intersection of visual art, performance art, and cultural ritual. The form ranges from permanent modifications like tattoos to temporary, live performances documented through photography or video art.

Definition and scope

The scope encompasses any artistic manipulation of the body, including surface decoration, alteration, and durational actions. It is intrinsically linked to performance art, where the artist's presence is central, as seen in the work of Vito Acconci. Key conceptual frameworks often engage with phenomenology and the politics of gender, challenging traditional boundaries between the artist and the artwork. Institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and the Pompidou Centre have collected and exhibited such works, cementing their place in contemporary art discourse.

History and cultural significance

Historical precedents are found in ancient cultural practices, from the ceremonial scarification of the Nuba people to the spiritual tattoos of the Māori. In the 20th century, it emerged as a distinct avant-garde movement, with groups like the Vienna Actionists and Fluxus using the body to confront World War II trauma and consumer society. Figures such as Yves Klein with his *Anthropometries* and the Gutai group in Japan were pivotal. These acts carried deep significance, questioning autonomy and the limits of the art object within galleries like the Leo Castelli Gallery.

Types and practices

Practices are diverse, falling into permanent, temporary, and performative categories. Permanent modifications include tattooing, body piercing, scarification, and branding, each with distinct cultural lineages, such as Irezumi in Japan. Temporary forms feature body painting, as practiced by Joanne Gair, and makeup art. Performative types involve endurance, pain, or ritual, exemplified by Marina Abramović's *Rhythm 0* and Chris Burden's *Shoot*. Other sub-genres include cosplay, dental jewelry, and subdermal implants.

Health and safety considerations

Health risks are a critical concern, particularly with invasive procedures. Unsanitary tattooing or piercing can lead to infections like hepatitis B or HIV, necessitating strict adherence to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The use of certain pigments in tattoos has been regulated by bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Performances involving extreme stress, such as those by Stelarc, require medical supervision. Organizations like the Association of Professional Piercers promote safety standards within the industry.

Legal and social issues

Legal frameworks vary globally, often involving age restrictions, licensing, and public decency laws. In places like New York City, regulations govern body piercing establishments. Social issues include workplace discrimination, as seen in corporate policies at Starbucks or the U.S. Marine Corps, and cultural appropriation, such as non-Māori wearing tā moko. Court cases, including those heard by the European Court of Human Rights, have addressed bodily autonomy rights versus public norms.

Notable artists and movements

Key historical figures include Yves Klein, Joseph Beuys, and Carolee Schneemann. The 1970s saw the rise of performance art pioneers like Marina Abramović, Chris Burden, and Hannah Wilke. Later, artists such as Matthew Barney, Orlan, and Ron Athey expanded its boundaries. Influential movements providing context include Vienna Actionism, Fluxus, and Feminist art. Their works are frequently presented at major events like the Venice Biennale and collected by institutions such as the Tate Modern.

Category:Visual arts Category:Performance art Category:Human appearance