Thursday 22 January 2009

Viennese Actionism

Probably my most bizarre post to date..

The term 'Viennese Actionism' describes a short and violent movement in 20th century art that which goes beyond the efforts during the 1960s to develop "action art" (Fluxus, Happening, Performance, Body Art, etc.). Its main participants were Günter Brus, Otto Mühl, Hermann Nitsch and Rudolf Schwarzkogler. The work of the Viennese Actionists is probably best remembered for the wilful transgressiveness of its naked bodies, destructiveness and violence. Often, brief jail terms were served by participants for violations of decency laws, and their works were targets of moral outrage.

Alot of their work was experimental film and moving imagery. This is what I've found to be the most bizarre and generally fucked up. Alot of the work was banned and what is left to be viewed is only around because of strong links with actionists that still work today. They're definitely videos you don't wanna watch more than once, if at all for that matter. Anyway I've posted 1 of the not so vile ones (would you believe) but it is still definitely for the 'not so weak stomachs' to watch. Alot of the others on the internet are pretty vulgar and homo, so steer clear of them when you find em, (unless your into that shit). My main reason for posting them is I love this type of film, how it almost looks super 8mm, but with alot more jump cut etc, which you rarely come across. I wont go into too much detail as the majority won't want to know. have fun! Otmar Bauer - Acid Vomit.

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