performance-art

Party balloon performance art reminds us 'what it means to be human'

The performance work at the Sydney Opera House requires six kilometres of rope, and may or may not result in lift-off. Its title, Cherophobia, means the fear of joyfulness or happiness.

"It's about the process, the anticipation, the wonder and unknowingness of if anything will happen," Lakmaier, a British-Viennese live performance artist, says.

The childlike balloons, reminiscent of the animated film Up, are counterbalanced by the tension provided by the rope, which restrains the artist and her body.

Dark Mofo's 'bloody, sacrificial ritual' blasted by animal rights group

WARNING: THIS STORY CONTAINS GRAPHIC CONTENT.

The three-hour '150 Action' show, directed by 78-year-old Hermann Nitsch, is described as "a bloody, sacrificial ritual performed by the patriarch of Viennese Actionism, his devoted disciples and an orchestra" and is set to take place in June as part of theĀ Dark Mofo festival, produced by Hobart's Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).

Burlesque a confidence boost for north Queensland women of all shapes and ages

"Coming in to this class I feel great, I feel sexy and I don't think a lot of women feel that anymore," said disability worker Jasmine, who signed up to try and improve her body confidence.

"I was very unsure of myself when I first messaged Vivienne. I said 'I'm a bigger girl, I am afraid of all my curves and my bits and pieces'.

"[Performing on stage] has helped me the most with my confidence and it has come through to my everyday life... I am sexy; it doesn't matter what the rest of you think."