“Cut Piece”, Yoko Ono

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Performance art has the capacity to create an alternate universe that appears real to the viewer. It can be a useful tool in questioning what is considered “normal” society. Yoko Ono’s “Cut Piece” from 1964, dealt with the notion of ownership and interaction. She sat up on stage, well dressed, in front of an audience who were told that they could go up on stage, use the scissors in front of her, and cut her clothing. Here lies an interesting conversation about how we treat other people. Some audience members were sheepish to start, while others boldly snipped the straps to her bra. But, as the time progressed and this action of going to cut the clothing on Ono’s back was normalized, the audience members grew comfortable with the action. In truth, there are no firm rules, the idea that social ethics inherently prescribes to accountability is a societal construction , so then what are the boundaries and are they necessary?

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