Stelarc

            Stelarc is an Australian performance artist. This work mainly focuses on the capabilities of the human body. The major theme of his work is “the human body is obsolete.” His performance includes robotics and modern technology combined with his body. He practices flesh hook suspension, which is where his body would be raised solely by hooks.  He has also performed with a robotic arm and has let his body be controlled remotely by electronic muscle stimulators, which were connected to the internet.

            I really like Stelarc’s work because he pushes the limits of his body by using technology. In a way he is very similar to Marina Abramovic. She tested her body’s limits as well. However Stelarc uses technology and to me he is in a way cleverer than Abramovic when he tests the limits of his body. His flesh hook suspensions seemed really extreme to me. He literally would pierce his skin with hooks and suspend himself. I also thought it was interesting that he created a “third ear” by surgically putting it in his left arm.