Bodies in the city

art and performativity

Abstract

Through a theoretical research whose reflection puts the fields of performativity, urban space and art into dialogue, this paper seeks to shift the notion of performativity and its dimensions on the precariousness, resistance and appearance of the public space to the artistic practices. Given the concern to understand how precariousness can arise claims and connections between different individuals, different bodies and subjectivities, the works of art O Levante (2012-2014) and O que Sobrou da 1ª Corrida de Carroças no Recife (2012-2014) are interpreted as two artistic practices that can be characterized by identifying who are the social groups involved in it and how their participation and body produce space of appearance. Therefore, by recognizing the normative devices of the action, one can understand the performativity of a collective practice in which its artistic nature is inserted in urban context and provides actions of freedom in the daily life of the city.

Keywords: artistic practice, public space, artist, cart drivers.