What distinguishes performance art from traditional art forms?

Performance art is distinguished by its emphasis on the body, action, and presence, setting it apart from traditional art forms that typically focus on static objects like paintings or sculptures. Performance art is inherently temporal and experiential; it engages viewers on a sensory and often emotional level through live actions, gestures, and the physical embodiment of ideas. This form invites audience participation and interaction, making the experience dynamic and unique each time it is performed.

While traditional art forms may rely on permanence and fixed mediums, performance art exists in the moment, creating an ephemeral experience that cannot be replicated. This focus on the body and the act of performing highlights themes of identity, culture, and social commentary, often challenging the conventions of what art can be. Hence, this emphasis on active participation and the artist's physicality is what primarily distinguishes performance art from its more static counterparts.