What is 'performance drawing'? When does a drawing transform into a performance? Is drawing itself a performative act, regardless of viewer presence? Through conversations, interviews, and essays, the authors explore these questions and the implications of performing and drawing in contemporary practice since the 1960s. The term 'performance drawing' originates from Drawing Papers: Performance Drawings by Catherine de Zegher (2001) and reflects a process aimed at expanding the field of drawing through innovative practices and cross-disciplinary influences. The introduction offers a historical overview and outlines various approaches to performance drawing. Each author shares their unique perspectives and methodologies across five chapters, embracing diverse voices. Themes of body and energy, time and motion, light and space, and the imagined versus the observed illustrate how drawing serves as a performative tool. This dynamic interaction fosters a collective understanding of performance drawing, highlighting key developments and future directions. Featuring a range of international artists, including influential figures from the 1960s such as Alison Knowles and Carolee Schneemann, this work lays a foundation for both established and emerging artists, bridging boundaries within the genre and contributing to a vibrant, evolving art movement.
