Performance art in public spaces on the basis of minor gestures or simple actions

• Grant number: 12/03906-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2012
• End date: December 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Linguistics, Literature and Arts - Arts
• Principal Investigator: Antônio Carlos de Araújo Silva
• Grantee: Lucas Freitas Peixoto Paz
• Host Institution: Escola de Comunicações e Artes (ECA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This research project, which is entitled Performance art in public spaces on the basis of minor gestures or simple actions, is primarily qualitative. It aims to investigate the increasing privatization of public spaces. By doing so, it can then raise the possibility of rethinking their construction and maintenance from an artistic perspective, going beyond urbanism issues. The idea is to explore the potential theory-practice relationship between performance, minor gestures or simple actions, and public spaces with artists and citizens (bystanders and homeless people living in the streets, monuments, and institutions) by developing artistic, performing actions that mingle with daily life in a subtle manner of expression. Unless viewed as an almost imperceptible noise, such actions may carry a potential effect of uneasiness about reality in the intersubjective relationship established between performers and citizens. We intend to carry out interviews with artists, city planners, and citizens, to observe the participants and spaces of our interest, and present detailed descriptions and analyses of current practices. How to promote experiences that point to an "exchange value" guided by a social, intersubjective relationship, rather than an economic one, more regularly in public spaces? How can the simple and minimal go across complexity, extravagance, and the excess of spectacular urban life in the field of arts? The outcome of this research project, which adopts a theoretical perspective and falls within the field of performing arts, also tackles some notions from architecture, urbanism, and anthropology. This project is to be carried out under the supervision of Dr. Antonio Carlos de Araujo Silva (PhD). He is a member of the permanent staff for the undergraduate and graduate programs of the Department of Performing Arts, in the School of Communications and Arts (ECA) of the University of São Paulo (USP), where he currently teaches theatre directing, performative practices and theatre project.(AU)