Any art where the body is a subject also deals with the subject of identity. Identity alteration can involve slight changes, like Paik & Moorman's cello, where Moorman only removes some clothing and assumes a position, or Horn's Finger Gloves.
Artistic identity alteration has taken a literal meaning with Orlan's performance plastic surgery operations whereby she remains conscious and an actie part of her performance, not leaving the performance to the surgeon as with traditional plastic surgery. Orlan's body is her material and the surgeon, her collaborator. To distinguish performance art from theatrical performance, it seems a new approach to materiality is required, as well as a transformation of object or identity with specific relation to the material.
In response to READING 1: "Extended and Prosthetic Bodies" from The Artists' Body ed. Tracey Warr
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2 comments:
I like how you've addressed the alteration of identity. Paik & Moorman take the body as a subject and attempt to turn it into a simple object. Moorman, an inherently subjective creature, attempts to become a cello, an inherently objective thing. You've called this a "slight change," and I see why, but I would suggest it is a significant change. Because humans cannot truly observe the world as anything but objects--unable to separate ourselves from a subjective perspective--it is quite significant to attempt to deny one's own subjectiveness. Moorman willingly objectifies himself, but takes it a step further to an attempt at dehumanization.
I would consider Horn's Finger Gloves a drastically different type of identity alteration. It seems that Horn attempts to exaggerate her disconnection as a subject interacting with an object. She draws the attention to this separation, while Moorman draws attention to the subject/object duality.
Orlan's surgery confirms humans' inescapable status as objects when seen by other subjective humans. The objectification of a subject such as Orlan often leads subjects to attempt to enhance and improve their appearance. They attempt to be a more attractive object to the subjective view of others. Orlan expresses an acceptance of the subject/object duality and avoids becoming a celebration or criticism of it.
I liked what you were saying about the surgery being an art form. when we think about it surgery is its own type of art form snd normally the surgent is the artist and does all the movement and work but like you were saying in this case the patient is tthe artist and becomes more involved with the act of having surgery.
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