performance art

noun

Definition of performance art

: a nontraditional art form often with political or topical themes that typically features a live presentation to an audience or onlookers (as on a street) and draws on such arts as acting, poetry, music, dance, or painting

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In fact, this image was created shortly after grad school and Thomas’ adoption of an alter ego, Quanikah (her childhood nickname), as part of a performance art history class. — Gayle Clemans, The Seattle Times, "‘MUSE’ offers a look at painter Mickalene Thomas’ photography — and at the artist herself," 23 Aug. 2018 Banksy’s Girl With Balloon, which recently became the most expensive piece of performance art sold at an auction, was meant to be shredded completely, according to a video Banksy uploaded on YouTube. — Stavros Agorakis, Vox, "Vox Sentences: The Catholic sex abuse reckoning continues in Pennsylvania," 19 Oct. 2018 In preparation, the contestants go through a training period that involves such eclectic studies as performance art, rap music, and elocution. — Peter Keough, BostonGlobe.com, "The documentary side of MFA French fest," 5 July 2018 Step beneath the dark, wide eaves and into the theater, the city’s principal venue enjoying a traditional performance art. — The Seattle Times, "From ancient to post-modern: Get art smart in Tokyo," 22 Oct. 2018 Its installations use innovative technologies and performance art, while the permanent collection includes pieces from renowned Latin American artists. — Allie Lazar, Condé Nast Traveler, "10 Best Museums To Visit in Buenos Aires," 22 May 2018 And finally there's the ritual of application, a kind of personal performance art that requires delicate sweeping and swooping across your face. — Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, "La Prairie Proves That Skin Care Is A Work Of Art," 16 June 2017 The 2018 Gilda Award recipients include Arthur Cartwright (screenwriting, film directing), Aisha Ellis (music composition, performance), Brandyn (Skilz) Burton (dance, choreography) and Salakastar (theatre, performance art). — Ryan Patrick Hooper, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit artists receive $25,000 grants from Kresge," 20 June 2018 Since her Patreon launched on March 3, 2015, Palmer has used the revenue to make 56 things including two LPs, four EPs, six webcasts, plus original and cover songs, videos, podcasts, and performance art. — Jed Gottlieb, Billboard, "How Amanda Palmer Is Raising Even More Funding Than She Did on Kickstarter," 11 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'performance art.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.