Some Relations between Conceptual and Performance Art.

Frazer Wards article asks the reader to consider the similarities in themes and ideas of both Conceptual and Performance art. It is important in Wards view to consider that the action of performance be recognized as a medium rather than a concept in itself. One that an artist can use to express his or her theory and ideas, like any other medium utilized. By doing so Ward thinks a clear argument can be made to show the conformity of both in regards to the themes and mediums explored.

He elaborates by linking text and language they have in common and why they use them, their exploration of the role of the artist and viewer as well as the dissection of the established hierarchy in western art and existing art practices.

Ward goes on to discuss that both Performance art and Conceptual art share the removal of the object and leave the subject. That they deal with concept rather than medium in a view to engage with the viewer/audience in an open dialogue.  One of the many tools both employ is the removing of the fourth wall set out by previous art making practices. This can be achieved with their use of everyday mediums within a displaced art space that encourages the viewer to better engage with the concepts or theories.

Another similarity to be taken into consideration when viewing these works is the importance of documentation as many works are fleeting moments in time. Many of these works could not exist for prosperity if the documentation had not been completed. The films, photographs and writings are quite often all that is left to show the work once existed. These documentations then become another form of medium to show a concept, once again highlighting the importance of everyday and the subject rather than the object.

However Ward also discusses the very real possibility of both practices unfortunately becoming elitist in their very existence and pursuit of non-elitist art making. As both may be anchored to a historical timeline and the language and views often used expect a certain amount of understanding from the audience about the art practices of the time.

He argues that many of the artists working within theses themes and trying to be rational are in fact on closer inspection very irrational. As their expectations of the audience makes no sense. It has in fact become elitist in its own self-reflection, as to not be an artist’s means you cannot understand. Although this problem too, is also common ground for both Conceptual and Performance Art.

Ward finishes his article by concluding that although both share many similarities the one similarity they do not share is the title of Movement. Performance has been utilized as a medium by many movements where as he argues Conceptual Art is a movement in itself.