Video Performance Art: Take, eat, my body

Philemon Mukarno’ naked video performance art: Take, eat, my body is created for the Cult 24 festival in New York in 2021. The artist, who remains anonymous, is hung upside down like a slaughtered cow and prepares himself to be eaten and his blood to be drunk as Jesus Christ. The title and the concept are inspired by the biblical phrase “Take and eat; this is my body”, which is part of the Last Supper, a significant event in the Christian tradition.

What is video performance art?

Video performance art is a form of art that combines live or recorded actions performed by the artist or other participants with a moving image. It can be spontaneous or scripted, live or pre-produced, and shown in various settings such as galleries, museums, festivals, or online platforms. Video performance art emerged in the 1960s as a way to challenge traditional notions of art and explore new possibilities of expression and communication. Today, video performance art is seen as one of the many strategies available to contemporary artists to convey their ideas, emotions, and messages.

Powerful element

Nakedness is a powerful element in video performance art, as it exposes the vulnerability, authenticity, and intimacy of the human body. Nudity can also be used to question social norms, stereotypes, and expectations about gender, sexuality, identity, and beauty. By stripping off their clothes, the artists reveal their naked selves to the audience, inviting them to confront their own prejudices, fears, and desires. Nudity can also be a form of protest, resistance, or liberation from oppression, violence, or discrimination.

What does Take, eat, my body mean?

Take, eat, my body is a provocative and controversial video performance art that explores the themes of sacrifice, religion, and cannibalism. The artist uses his own body as a sacrificial offering for the salvation and forgiveness of humanity’s sins, echoing the words and actions of Jesus Christ during the Last Supper. The artist also references the practice of cannibalism, which has been associated with various cultures and rituals throughout history. Cannibalism can be seen as a way of consuming the essence, power, or spirit of another being, or as a form of communion or solidarity with them.

The video performance art challenges the audience to reflect on their own beliefs, values, and morals. It also raises questions about the ethics and aesthetics of art that involve bodily harm or risk. How far can an artist go to express his or her vision? What are the limits of artistic freedom and responsibility? How does the audience react to witnessing such an extreme act? What does it mean to take part in such an art event?

Conclusion

This video performance art pushes the boundaries of art and challenges the audience to confront their own views on sacrifice, religion, and cannibalism. It is a daring and disturbing work that provokes strong emotions and reactions. It is also a creative and original work that demonstrates the potential and diversity of video performance art as a form of artistic expression.