Body art
DEFINITION
A movement related to Conceptual Art, it is a precursor to Performance Art in the United States, Europe and Australia in the late 1960s through the 1970s, and often expressive of sex and drug themes. Artists used their bodies as a medium; exhibited in public or private performances and through videos and photographs. "Frequently motivated by masochistic or spiritual intentions, body art varied enormously. Chris Burden had himself shot; Gina Pane cut herself in precise tatters with razor blades, . . .and Ann Mendieta created earthen silhouettes of herself in poses reminiscent of ancient goddess figures from the Near East." Other body artists were Linda Montano, Tom Marioni, Gilbert & George and Bruce Nauman. Source: Robert Atkins, "ARTSPEAK" <br><br>An art form in which the artist's body (aka wetware) is the medium. A type of conceptual art which was a precursor to performance art, Body Art often took the form of public or private performances, many of which became known more widely through photographic and textual documentation. Among the Body artists at its height from the 1960s to about 1980 were Vito Acconci (American, 1939-), Chris Burden (American, 1946-), and Ana Mendieta (Cuban-American, 1948-1985). Tattooing, piercing, branding, scarification, inplanting, and mehndi are forms of body MEDICAL ALERT!art, each with contemporary manifestations, most with long traditions. There are numerous serious health concerns associated with many forms of body art.Also see cosmetic, costume, dance, and jewelry.