Destructive performance art
Name(s):
Dangerous body decoration
Background
Body performance art originated in the 1970's, and along with many harmless performances included an artist who shot himself, and another who sliced his penis like a salami.
Incidence
In 1993, a 46 year old French artist had her face "sculpted" by a plastic surgeon to resemble pieces of famous paintings, including the forehead of Leonardo's Mona Lisa and the chin of Botticelli's Venus. A one-hour live TV broadcast, and a five-hour video of the operation was made. It was described as an external transformation of identity to match the change in internal identity which has taken place in the woman as a result of 23 years of psychoanalysis. The pop singer, Michael Jackson, has transformed his appearance by changing his skin colour and many aspects of his facial structure. Many other popular artists use plastic surgery, tattooing, and other body changes as if it were an art object.
Tattooing and body piercing can cause infections; most risky is the transmission of HIV or Hepatitis B through unsterilized needles.
Aggravated by
Strategy(ies)
Value(s)
Type
(F) Fuzzy exceptional problems