The Importance of Impermanence
Abstract/Description/Artist Statement
This project explores the ephemerality of the performing arts and, more specifically, why this is vital to artists' and audiences' engagement with live performance. In this research, I examine how different artists address and cope with the seeming disappearance of their creative work and why this disappearance is compelling to audience members. The fleeting nature of performing arts, and dance especially, reminds us of the impermanence of any life, in a time where we can easily immortalize our every thought and action. It is beautiful to exist for the sole purpose of changing and growing and feeling human. Ultimately, I will show that the temporary nature of dancing affords us opportunities to improvise and play within the borders of a performance, and this play reflects our capacity to imagine and innovate.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Kate Mattingly
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Email
kmatting@odu.edu
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Communication and Theater Arts
College/School Affiliation
College of Arts & Letters
Student Level Group
Undergraduate
Presentation Type
Art/Creative Work
The Importance of Impermanence
This project explores the ephemerality of the performing arts and, more specifically, why this is vital to artists' and audiences' engagement with live performance. In this research, I examine how different artists address and cope with the seeming disappearance of their creative work and why this disappearance is compelling to audience members. The fleeting nature of performing arts, and dance especially, reminds us of the impermanence of any life, in a time where we can easily immortalize our every thought and action. It is beautiful to exist for the sole purpose of changing and growing and feeling human. Ultimately, I will show that the temporary nature of dancing affords us opportunities to improvise and play within the borders of a performance, and this play reflects our capacity to imagine and innovate.