The nature of the art fair inherently resists the imposition of concepts. That said, there was one criterion and that was quality. In order to be included, the performances had to possess a certain level of finish.
Per4m is the Artissima section devoted exclusively to performance art. Inaugurated in 2014, it is the first show of its kind on the international art-fair scene. Its aim is to offer a stage and separate space to a modern art form that is extremely fertile but difficult to promote during an art fair. Per4m is held on a special stage set up in the Oval and invited artists compete for the Prix K-way Per4m. Curatorial Committee: Simone Menegoi, independent curator, Milano (coordinator), Sophie Goltz, Stadtkuratorin Hamburg, Chris Sharp, independent curator, Mexico City.
ATP: Performances in the context of art fairs are an innovation in the Italian context. How did you face this project?
Chris Sharp: I think this is an innovation in any art fair context, as there are very few performances in fairs. With the exception of say Liste’s performance program, I can’t really think of anyone else. As for working within the specific context of the art fair, we did our best to keep in mind the economy of attention of the art fair. This means performance will be predominantly no longer than a half hour, will take place in a specifically designated areas, and there will be a limited number each day so that each work can get the audience it deserves.
ATP: The fair is a dispersive environment. how did you decide, together with the artists, the right spots for the performances?
CS: As already stated, the majority of the performances will take place in a designated area.
ATP: Did you follow any particular criteria for the 12 Per4m projects?
CS: If you’re asking if there was a curatorial concept, I’m afraid not. The nature of the art fair inherently resists the imposition of concepts. That said, there was one criterion and that was quality. In order to be included, the performances had to possess a certain level of finish.
Elena Bordignon
