The Evolution of Performance Art: From Dada to Today

Nyiramukama Diana Kashaka

Faculty of Education, Kampala International University, Uganda

ABSTRACT

Performance art has evolved significantly over the past century, beginning with its origins in the Dada movement, which challenged traditional art forms and societal norms. This paper examines the dynamic trajectory of performance art, highlighting its major movements, influential artists, and thematic concerns, such as body politics, identity, and audience interaction. It examines the profound impact of technological advancements, including digital media and virtual reality, on the definition and accessibility of performance art. The paper also addresses the sociopolitical dimensions of the medium, its role in activism, and its engagement with contemporary issues like gender, race, and environmentalism. By analyzing its past and present, this study provides insights into the future potential of performance art as a medium that continuously redefines art, audience, and societal discourse.

Keywords: Performance Art, Dada, Digital Media in Art, Audience Participation, Body Politics, Virtual Reality Art, Activism in Art

CITE AS: Nyiramukama Diana Kashaka. (2025). The Evolution of Performance Art: From Dada to Today. Research Output Journal of Education, 5(1):32-35. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJE/2025/513235