Intro To Participation

"What are some of the ways that participatory art differs from individually produced art, historically and in the present?"

Participatory art relies on the collaboration between the artist and the viewer. The viewer acts as producer, for without an audience a participatory piece could never exist. In contrast, individually produced art relies solely on the artists views and experiences to bring forth the work, and then a viewer can give his or her interpretation.

Historically, art has been individual in production. The reading states that during the 1920's there was a rise in participatory art, and again during the 1960's. This form seeks to draw feedback from the audience, which in turn changes the piece itself and allows the audience direct influence over the art. This is significantly different than viewing a painting or sculpture in a gallery, where a person may draw their own interpretation of the piece but it will never change the essence of the piece itself.

Art always seeks to achieve new levels of expression, and by engaging the audience in a way that actually allows them to participate in artistic creation we can open what was once considered a private experience shared with the world into a collaborative experience. This participation is something that I can see playing a part in the area of new media as well as filmmaking in the 21st century.