Presence and Absence

Definition

Presence and absence refer to the idea of being physically or emotionally present in a performance, as well as the gaps or voids that can evoke meaning in the audience. In performance art, these concepts shape how the audience perceives and interacts with the work, often highlighting the tension between what is seen and what is implied. The interplay between presence and absence can create an emotional landscape that deepens the viewer's experience and understanding of the piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In durational performances, artists often challenge the limits of presence by extending their physical engagement over long periods, which can create a powerful sense of endurance.
2. The use of silence or stillness can amplify feelings of absence, prompting audiences to reflect on what is not being said or shown.
3. Audience members may experience a heightened sense of presence when they are invited to interact with the performance, breaking down barriers between performer and viewer.
4. The concept of absence can also manifest through missing elements, such as props or sounds, encouraging audiences to fill in the gaps with their own interpretations.
5. Presence and absence in performance art can lead to a deeper exploration of identity, memory, and existence, pushing audiences to confront their own perceptions.

Review Questions

• How do presence and absence manifest in durational performances, and what effect do they have on audience engagement?
  • In durational performances, presence is often amplified through the sustained physical engagement of the performer, while absence may be felt during pauses or moments of stillness. This dynamic can create a more immersive experience for the audience, drawing them into a state of reflection and contemplation. By experiencing both presence and absence, viewers are encouraged to engage with the emotional undertones of the work and explore their own responses to it.
• Discuss how an artist might utilize silence or stillness in their work to enhance themes of presence and absence.
  • An artist can effectively use silence or stillness to enhance themes of presence and absence by creating moments that allow audiences to focus on what is not overtly presented. For instance, a prolonged silence may evoke a sense of longing or loss, leading viewers to confront their own feelings about absence. Additionally, stillness in movement can draw attention to the physicality of the performer, emphasizing their presence while simultaneously suggesting what is missing from the action.
• Evaluate how audience interactivity influences perceptions of presence and absence in performance art.
  • Audience interactivity significantly influences perceptions of presence and absence by blurring the line between performer and viewer. When audiences are invited to participate in a performance, they bring their own experiences into the space, which creates a shared sense of presence. Conversely, moments where audiences are left passive may evoke feelings of absence, prompting introspection about their role in the experience. This dynamic not only enhances engagement but also fosters a deeper connection to the themes explored within the performance.

Related terms

Embodiment:

The act of expressing thoughts, feelings, or concepts through one's physical presence and movements in performance.

Interactivity:

The degree to which an audience engages with a performance, affecting both their sense of presence and the absence of traditional passive viewing.

Temporal Space: The perception of time within a performance, influenced by the duration of actions, pauses, and the pacing of events that contribute to feelings of presence or absence.