Critical Writing Index

Videoperformance

by Willoughby Sharp

Video Art: An Anthology, 1976, pp. 252-267

New York; London: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1976

An article surveying the accomplishments of early performance video. The author opens with remarks on video art's ascendancy amidst a growing interest in "process" and its documentation in the arts. A decade having passed since its first appearance, video art is still in its "infancy," owing to the relatively "rough" aesthetic nature of the works produced, and to the rarity of public exhibition for some unique video performance works. Biographical and critical notes are provided on Bruce Nauman, Keith Sonnier, Vito Acconci, William Wegman, Joan Jonas, and Chris Burden. The author makes a distinction between stand-alone performance documented on video and true "video performance," in which video plays an essential part in how the work is to be viewed and interpreted.

Videos, Artworks and Artists Cited

Violin Tuned D.E.A.D.Bruce Nauman

Revolving Upside Down, Pacing Upside Down, Walking in ContrapostoBruce Nauman

Bouncing in a CornerBruce Nauman

Lip SyncBruce Nauman

Performance CorridorBruce Nauman

Painted Foot: Black LightKeith Sonnier

Light Bulb and FireKeith Sonnier

RubdownKeith Sonnier

Animation IKeith Sonnier

Animation IIKeith Sonnier

CorrectionsVito Acconci

CentersVito Acconci

PassesVito Acconci

PullVito Acconci

PryingVito Acconci

ClaimVito Acconci

Remote ControlVito Acconci

Air timeVito Acconci

Walk-OverVito Acconci

Home MoviesVito Acconci

Reception RoomVito Acconci

Command PerformanceVito Acconci

Spelling LessonWilliam Wegman

Bobbing for TwinsWilliam Wegman

j. J-Jacobean the Adventures of JackWilliam Wegman

DuetJoan Jonas

Left Side, Right SideJoan Jonas

Vertical RollJoan Jonas

Match PieceChris Burden

Back to YouChris Burden