Patricia Voulgaris, Faculty, Performing at Home

SVACE: What inspired you to cultivate this course, and how do you see it fitting into the context of current art practices?

PV: COVID-19 has brought us together under a common thread, a desire to create and perform our actions within different stages in our careers. Any place can be a stage for a performance, whether it is performed in a studio or at home. Technology has played an important role in aiding students and their artistic practice. Our desire for connection and creation has only become stronger during this difficult time.

SVACE: Do you see this transition in performative space and documentation shifting the future of “live” performance?

PV: I think that this inevitable shift has influenced the way that we approach performance art. We perform different versions of ourselves on a daily basis, whether it be online, at home, at work, etc. Even now, more than ever, our presence demands attention and validation, especially through the Internet. Our cabin fever has generated a substantial desire to connect and to feel seen by others. Our audience is equally important in our performances. It begs the question: If my performance is not viewed or experienced in person, why am I creating this and who is it for?

SVACE: How do you see accessible technology and social media platforms playing a role in performance art and image making at this time?

PV: It has always played an enormous role in image making and performance. Technology has the ability to influence an artist’s outreach on a larger global scale and is accessible to everyone. We no longer need to leave the comfort of our homes to go outside and experience art; it is in the palm of our hand. This accessibility is somewhat problematic, but it is also convenient for the viewer. The artist is in many ways dependent on social media in order to feel inspired, connected and in some cases fulfilled.

New Photography at SVA Continuing Ed