Performance Art and Activism- George Ghattas

Widewalls | Yoko Ono - A Groundbreaking Artist, Activist and Fighter

Q1: “This groundbreaking artwork is hailed as prophetic of feminist activism and of performance art as a form.”

R1: Yoko Ono’s groundbreaking artwork revolutionized feminist activism and performance art, challenging societal norms and highlighting the power of personal expression. Her work continues to inspire dialogue around gender, identity, and the role of art in activism. 

Q2: “She allowed her Japanese education and American artistic formation to merge into a new mindfulness, creating a vessel through which she viewed artistry as the absence of complexity, a vacuum through which she was led to a state of complete relaxation of mind.”

R2: Yoko Ono’s unique blend of Japanese discipline and American artistic freedom created a profound approach to art. She embraced simplicity, focusing on mindfulness and the absence of complexity, which allowed her to achieve a state of deep mental clarity and relaxation. 

Hispanic Executive | Interview with Shaun Leonardo - Performance, Pedagogy, and Philosophy

Q1: “I do equate that stubbornness and conviction with the same work ethic that my parents filled me with, but to this day, I don't understand how I never felt that the historical art canon could not be achieved simply because of my ethnicity or color.”

R1: Leonardo attributes his unwavering belief in achieving artistic excellence to his parents' strong work, transcending societal expectations tied to ethnicity.

Q2: “I found it equally important to share the work of my colleagues and those artists of color that inspired me with both young folks that I identified with (meaning those that looked like me) and white kids.”

R2: By sharing diverse artistic perspectives, Leonardo fosters inclusivity, aiming to broaden worldviews and inspire all students, regardless of background. 

Performance art is a form of expression where the artist uses their body, space, and actions to convey a message or provoke thought. Yoko Ono and Shaun Leonardo use performance art to challenge societal norms. Ono addresses feminist and peace activism, while Leonardo explores identity, race, and masculinity, using their work to address social justice issues and provoke dialogue.