Performing for the Camera | TATE Modern
This Saturday I visited the limited-time exhibition at the Tate Modern, London with two other photographers. The exhibition's hours were extended late into the evening and we visited when the gallery had become very quiet. Performing for the Camera explores what it means to present for the camera whether that be self-portraiture, elaborate performance art, or posing. With over 500 photographs and over 50 photographers, it looks at how performance artists use the lens to demonstrate and present their act - whatever that may be.
Minoru Hirata:
Minoru Hirata was one artist that caught my attention with his geopolitical photographs shot in Okinawa, Japan. He is best known for his contribution to the "Anti-Art” performance art movement of the 1960s. The image below shows a fast moving, dynamic scene with two young ladies running across a busy high-street. The vividness of the image, despite being black and white is a special thing to have captured for the lens. It is also a less deliberate attempt at 'performing for the camera'.
1.
Linder Sterling:
Another photographer who performed for herself or had models perform for her.
2., 3., 4.
These images use cut-up photos to give an altered representation of the face. Meanwhile the model either poses or eyes up the camera giving an entrancing balance between the two elements. The other striking image at the exhibition was the image above right. It uses cling-film to wrap and distort the woman's face. The make-up also gives the photograph a striking, high-contrast effect.
Conclusion:
Overall the exhibition was a poignant study of how photography has changed how performance art can be presented and represented. Despite sometimes being used to capture a moment, photography can be used with great elegance and balance to create a well-prepared, well-delivered scene or portrait.
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Bibliography:
Miami: Taka Ishii at Art Basel: Miami Beach by Minoru Hirata
Linder Sterling. Photographer: Paolo Roversi.
Unknown, Linder Sterling
© Linder Sterling - courtesy of http://www.artdiscover.com/en/artists/linder-sterling-id826