Ensinar a distração: Walter Benjamin, técnica e performance em Ofereço companhia (2016-2017), de Anna Costa e Silva, Outra identidade (2003-), de Ana Teixeira, e Trabalho normal (2017), de Claudia Müller

Abstract

This paper analyses three performative works by contemporary Brazilian artists that tackle the topic of work, focusing on Walter Benjamin’s theory and employing his proposed division between the first and second technique. This allows us to discuss these works outside the scope of relational art and unveil their political bias through other perspectives, no longer restricted to mere public participation, but to the formal choices encompassed by each proposal. We note from the adopted perspective, that featuring elements from the world of work within artistic productions, in these cases, invites public and artists to engage in modes of shared distraction as a critical form.