Together with renowned scholar Peggy Phelan, this episode of UNBOUND explores the foundations of performance art—its essence, limitations, and evolution alongside lens-based and digital technologies. Phelan argues that twentieth century performance is unique because of its elusive nature, as “something (that) could be enacted and then disappear.” This gives performance the potential to be inherently political, especially in a system that places value on objects. Later in the episode, the words of early video art pioneer peter campus and the work of Pipilotti Rist illuminate the fusion of technology and the body, while art critic Marilena Borriello re-actualizes their perspectives with insights on the impact of digital culture on performance.

Speakers:Marilena Borriello, peter campus, Peggy Phelan

Hosts:Line Ajan and Lisa Long