Wild Man as an Androgynous and Psychedelic Image in Contemporary Performative Art
Sanat Tarihi Dergisi August 1, 2024 Murat Ateşli, Burcu Nur Cengiz
The Wild Man is an archetypal figure that emerges from the deep connection between art, society, and belief systems, appearing across cultures in festivals and art with evolving costumes and imagery. Its costumes, made from organic materials, express a transitional relationship with nature and the supernatural, giving the figure a psychedelic, androgynous character. This research examines the costume and performance works of avant-garde and contemporary artists—including Joseph Beuys, Fern Shaffer, Ana Mendieta, Cassils, Asher Woodworth, Nick Cave, Saya Woolfalk, and various collectives—that evoke the Wild Man, focusing on their psychedelic, ambiguous, and synesthetic qualities. The Wild Man, with its contradictory and psychic aspect, continues to inspire contemporary artists by revitalizing cultural and artistic ties.