Abstract

The Performance art scene in Bangalore (Karnataka) became visible and grew organically  since 2000. The Bangalore art scene has always been known for its experimental approaches  be it Installation art, Performance Art or New Media art. Maturing of the Performance art  scene in Bangalore can be studied broadly in two stages. The first stage can signify as  'Happenings' where artists explored, experimented, and evolved Performance art and  developed their language with their basic-foundation skills. Whether they came from a  theatrical background or experimental dance background or traditional visual art  background, by making an extension of interactive installations they honed their skills,  approaches, language and started performing in public spaces. Still, the term Live Art was  evolving. It came into usage after it reached its matured stage starting from 2010 onwards.  In the first decade, we could observe a good deal of groundwork and mature evolution with  numerous experiments in public spaces; those were based largely on social issues as a core  concern. During the first few years in Bangalore, several such initiatives and workshops took  place in art colleges. The Performances happened in art openings which had a theatrical  base or experimental dance background. Few artists who came from dance and visual  background were experimenting with movements dance background began mixing  installations and the use of colour in their dance performances. From 1990 to 2000 a lot of  artists were working with site-specific Installation works and Performance art was emerging  subtly. These attempts resulted in bringing forth new materials, forms, language and space.  Individualist, collaborative, and connecting with land, communities and public spaces – artists of Bangalore with determination and restlessness responded to their inner calls. Not  only installations but also Performance and Sound art found expressions here in those early  times. Artists like Pushpamala N, Ramesh Kalkur, Shyamala, Srinivas Prasad, M.S. Umesh,  Tripura Kashyap, and C.F. John works had an impact in the early 1990s. Some of the artists  who have experimented in photographic Performances or interactive works during this  period are Puspamala, Surekha Sarada, Smitha cariappa, Suresh Kumar G and Dimple B  Shah. Few started their Performance career in the year 2001-2002. Some gradually joined.  Visibility of Performance art in public space can be traced from 2001 onwards. The active 

phase in Performance art scene started after the formation of the group 'Live Art Lab' in the  year 2012. The core members regularly engaged in dialogues to develop Performance art  and live art scene in Bangalore. The year 2014 the Performance art scene was at its highest  peak ,India Foundation for the Arts selected 3 Live Performance Art Project for its grant  project 560 both National and International artists participated and also created a platform  for the young student to participate and perform with professional artists. Over 30 to 40  Performances happened all over the city this year, which in itself is a record-breaking  achievement. In my presentation I will discuss some of these projects and artists work  giving insight to performance art scene in Bangalore.