OCA Big Draw 2026: The History of Performative Mark Marking

Within this one hour talk we will explore the fascinating history of Performance Art.

Often situated within a specific context or landscape, we will look at artists including Marina Abramavić, Francis Alÿs and Ana Mendieta to explore diverse performances that left an impression of an action on the environment through the use of the body and gestural mark.

Through looking at these artworks and unpacking the development of Performance Art and its conceptual motivations, we will continually revisit the question:

What can a drawing be?

This session will provide a foundational understanding of the history and significance of Performance Art, while considering the potential of action, gesture and journey as modes of mark making that move away from the constraints of traditional drawing. We will explore how these approaches might offer new, exciting ways of thinking about and using your own body within your creative practice.