My Interview with Giulia Mattera on Performance Art (Patreon)

1. What is unique about Performance Art to you? What sets it apart from other art forms? Performance art is like swimming. It is intense. It can be relaxing, exciting, calming, or delve into the abyss and scary; the nature of the experience depends on various factors: those present in the actual moment, on the topic, on the shapes of the performance, and on individual and collective backgrounds. The power of performance art lies in its capacity to transcend time and to create an internal space for a shift in perception, without any need of previous knowledge or education. Like water, performance art permeates every space and slips inside those who experience it, finding its way in also in tiny cracks we might not even be aware of having.
2. What is an example of a performance you have created and/or seen that exemplifies this quality of performance art? As part of the performance Seeing youRself sensING I created in Finland in 2019 I invited the participants to ponder their denied feelings previous the performance taking place. I had a  conversation with one of the precipitants after the performance, who shared how the performance made her see her denied feelings through a visceral perception beyond rationality. Performance art helps us move beyond our mental schemes, back into our physical and spiritual bodies.
3. How would you describe your creative process? I do a lot of researching previous a performance, I would say I drive myself crazy into the exploration. I read a lot and talk to people who have any sort of connection to the topic of the project. An important aspect of my creative process is also my embodied practice I have created merging different disciplines I have come across. I might say I use the creative process to land into unknown territories where the creation actually happens. I believe daily practice is key; this does not mean having to actively work all the time, but keeping an open attitude and curiosity, as there is no separation between art and life.

More on Giulia Mattera here: https://giuliamattera.com