Moderated by Peter Taub, the afternoon began with a series of presentations from a panel of arts professionals, who discussed the influence of performance art on the developments of the alternative art movement and studio practices.

Citing various artworks and arts institutions, Jenni Sorkin highlighted the connections between performance,  alternative venues, and women in the arts.  Women have had a strong role in the development of not-for-profit galleries and publications, fueling alternative modes of making and exhibiting art.

Both professional artists and educators, Mark Jeffery and Sara Rabinowitz spoke of the influences on and projects within their art practices.  Mark Jeffery brought up the idea of seemingly everyday actions as performative, and the play between an individual’s presence online and in real life as a form of dance.  Sara Rabinowitz described the influence of collaboration and textile production on her work, seeing both as processes of “incremental building,” imbued with slowness and pleasure.  Although operating very different practices, both artists noted the roles of community and performance within their work.

After hearing the presentations, the conversation opened up as a discussion between the panel and attendees.  More to come on what followed at the Symposium’s Open Forum with our Summer Residents!