| Audience interaction is an inherent element of performance art. Because of this performance can be observed through a relationship that is formed between the artist and the viewer. Some performance artists choose to perform passively, seemingly relinquishing their power to their viewers as a means of provoking a reaction. That being said, the "powerless" artist may retain some control, even in their state of passivity, by asserting certain restrictions into the design of their performance. Some viewers choose to interact according to the artist's requests, while others respond outside of their expectations. It is on this slippery slope that performance resides, in constant flux of power between the artist and the viewer. By looking at specific artist/viewer interactions in the work of artists, Chris Burden, Barbara T. Smith, Yoko Ono, and Wafaa Bilal, audience reception can be gauged, while simultaneously illustrating the power relations and unpredictable nature in performance art. |
