Reading Performance Art From Then Till Now

To mark the launch of Exposures The Live Art Development Agency are collaborating with the Whitechapel Gallery on a debate exploring the enduring legacies of artists working in the 60s and 70s alongside the work of current practitioners and issues around the documentation and representation of performance beyond the 'live'. The debate is taking place within the context of the Whitechapel's season A Short History of Performance.

Reading Performance Art From Then till Now
Panel Debate
Monday 15 April, 7-9pm
Lecture Theatre Tickets £6/£4.50 concessions and Whitechapel supporters (from the Whitechapel Gallery)

Once the action is over, what life do performance art works have? How are they recorded, historicised and represented within the context of gallery and museum exhibitions? Led by artists, curators and writers, this panel discussion will reflect on some of the issues raised in re-presenting performance art, including its relationship to the object, photography and film. It will also provide an opportunity to explore the enduring legacies of artists working in the 60s and 70s alongside the work of current practitioners. Contributors include Sarah Wilson (Courtauld Institute), Tracey Warr (Editor of Phaidon's The Artists' Body) and Ian White (film and video curator). The debate will be chaired by artist Hayley Newman.

A Short History of Performance: Part One
Mon 15 – Sun 21 April 2002

This short but explosive season re-presents key works, many for the first time, performed live by some of the most significant performance artists of the late 20th century.

Performance art emerged in the 1960s and 70s as a radical medium, replacing the traditional materials of art with the artists own body. It combined elements taken from a variety of art forms – music, theatre, film, dance as well as the visual arts – in an effort to bring art closer to life. Staged in galleries, disused shops or on the streets, performances were often fuelled by political debate and actively encouraged audience participation.

More information at www.whitechapel.org/performance or call the information line on +44 (0)20 7522 7853. Booking is advised on +44 (0)20 7522 7883 / [email protected]

Monday 15 April
Panel Discussion: Reading Performance Art Then till Now
7 – 9pm
(see above)

Performance schedule
Tuesday 16 April
Carolee Schneemann
Meat Joy, 1964

Wednesday 17 April
Stuart Brisley
Beneath Dignity, 1977

Thursday 18 April
Bernsteins Death to Grumpy Grandads, 1973
+ The Kipper Kids
Your Turn to Roll it No. 54

Friday 19 April
Hermann Nitsch
Lecture-Action: Basic Elements of the Orgies Mysteries Theatre

Saturday 20 April
Bruce McLean Theres a Sculpture on My Shoulder, 1970
+ Pose Work for Plinths, 1970

Sunday 21 April
Jannis Kounellis
Untitled, 1969
One day installation

In Conversation
After each performance, the artist will discuss their practice with artist Hayley Newman.

Doors open 6pm, performances 7pm
Sunday 21 April doors open 11am – 6pm
Tickets £8 / £6 concessions and Whitechapel supporters. Season ticket £36
Booking is advised: +44 (0)20 7522 7883 / [email protected]

With grateful thanks to The Felix Trust for Art, The Arts Council of England Visual Arts Department, the Great Eastern Hotel and the Live Arts Development Agency. With thanks to the GE Club at the Great Eastern Hotel for providing the bar.

Whitechapel Art Gallery
80 Whitechapel High St
London, E1 7QX
Tel: 020 7522 7888
Fax: 020 7377 1685
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.whitechapel.org