The aesthetic, and the political merge in the installational performances, initiated and directed by two artists featured in Irina Kulik’s upcoming lecture.
Spencer Tunick (b. 1967) is a contemporary American artist who effectively combines photography with installation and performance art in his practice. Since early 1990s, Tunick has been shooting photo series’, from individual portraits to gigantic staged scenes involving hundreds, or even thousands of volunteers. His recurring subject matter remains naked body set in urban landscape, while his main narratives are those related to the juxtaposition of nature and culture, as well as the forms and formats art can take in public spaces. Anyone wishing to participate in these performances can simply fill in the form on the artist’s website, where he announces his future photo sessions in advance. These works are commissioned by some of the key art institutions across the world (Art Basel, 1999; Sao Paulo Biennial, 2002; MOCA Cleveland, 2004; Kunsthalle Vienna, 2008, etc.), or unfold as interventions in infrastructure and architecture, like one of his latest works, Sea of Hull, 2016, staged, performed and shot on the east coast of England.
Vanessa Beecroft (b. 1969) was born and educated in Italy, but her art practice started following her move to the U.S. In 1993 she began exhibiting in various galleries in Manhattan, and soon became associated with the art market’s most powerful dealers, including Larry Gagosian and Jeffrey Deitch. The New York period is primarily based around Beecroft’s performances: during those years, she staged dozens of “live installations”, usually acted by assistants, volunteers or professional models invited by the artist. By aestheticizing and displaying naked female body, such gestures often evoked negative reactions from feminist art critics. Beecroft’s interest in fashion and the stagecraft of fashion shows explains her engagement as an author in a number of ambitious performances, including the opening of one of the Paris Louis Vuitton stores in 2005. In 2010 Beecroft officially concluded her artistic career but continues to direct the music videos, album presentations, and fashion shows of American singer, songwriter and producer, Kanye West.
