Vito Acconci

Gregory Volk

"Between 1969 and 1973, Vito Acconci's creative output was focused on body pieces and performances, many of them seminal works now firmly lodged in the art historical cannon of the time. Whether he was transforming space by masturbating under a platform extension of the gallery floor or transforming the body by tucking his genitals between his legs, Acconci promoted a radical, corporeal method of working with the human presence that has remained relevant in these less performative times. This publication traces the development of Acconci's early work through his own writings and documentations from that time. Rather than a critical study, it offers invaluable primary source materials: For each of the approximately 200 performances/works included, Acconci drafted meticulous notes, mapping out his ideas and describing the specifications of each piece. Many of the artist's works were ephemeral performances and actions, and these primary source materials are now the only extant artifacts from the work. Thus the book's contents come directly from Acconci's personal archives, and include his notes and documentations, plus photographs, where available. An introduction by Gregory Volk provides historical context and addresses the issues of body art and performance still relevant today." "The works of Vito Acconci are more often than not about creating a public space via the body-from his radical performances at the beginning of the seventies to his unusual architectural designs since the establishment of the Acconci studio at the end of the eighties. Between 1969 and 1973, his creative output was focused on body pieces and performances, many of them seminal works now firmly lodged in the art historical cannon of the time. This publication is a monumental and historical recount of the artist's itinerary from his first artistic stage as a poet, writer, video and body artist to his recognition today as a ground-breaking architect from 1969 to 1973. It traces the development of Acconci's early work through his own writings and documentations from that time and offers invaluable primary source materials. Each of the approximately 200 performances/works included are accompanied by Acconci's meticulous drafted notes."--BOOK JACKET.

Gregory Volk

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