Defying reality: performing reimagined worlds

Abstract

How can we challenge students to reimagine their world(s) through performance art? As art educators, many of us are concerned with exposing our students to contemporary artmaking practices. We aim to create fresh lessons that expand their understandings of art in today’s world while highlighting the importance of imagination. With a personal interest in performance and street art (art forms that have gained popularity in recent years), we—the authors—continuously seek ways to include such exciting processes in our curriculum. This article explores an engaging lesson inspired by Robin Rhode, a South African contemporary performance artist, that asks students to perform and document intra-actions with static, chalk-drawn reimagined worlds.