From Action Painting to Tangled Connections
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| Carolee Schneemann performing in 1971, illustration by Agnes Prygiel, 2023 |
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| Artwork produced during M. Lohrum's performance, Stone Space Gallery, 2022 |
In 1952, art critic Harold Rosenberg coined the term "action painting"
to describe the use of expressive bodily movement in artistic creation.
This technique, pioneered by Jackson Pollock, found a distinct manifestation in the work of Carolee Schneemann—an enigmatic feminist who
explored her own body within the context of cultural norms. In her performance "Up To & Including Her Limits" (1971-76), she drew disorderly lines on sheets of paper while suspended naked in a leather harness. Unable to touch the surface or maintain a position, Schneemann utilized her movements and muscle strength for an exhaustive and dedicated creative process.
Schneemann's influence resonated in the "Re-Thinking the Trace" show at The Stone Space Gallery in East London on May 20th, 2022. During the preview, eight participants, meeting for the first time, drew continuous black lines on large sheets of paper. The resulting artwork, a convoluted explosion of strokes, explored the interplay and clash of lines, forming a tangled eruption of connections.
Conceptual and abstract thinker M. Lohrum orchestrated this captivating show, delving into questions of ownership and authenticity. Participants, including illustrator Cherry Cheuk Hei Kwan, book artist Titus Barker, gallery volunteer Maureen, and conceptual artist Iz Elliott, contributed to the unique collaborative artwork. Responding to a social media advert, they engaged in a drawing experiment guided by specified rules.
The powerful artwork created during the performance is exhibited at The Stone Space Gallery until June 12th, 2022.
Agnes Prygiel / 28.05.2022 / London