Often credited as the “father of performance and video art,” Vito Acconci (1940-2017) was a pioneer in experimental and innovative art-making. It wasn't until after Acconci attended graduate school that he became acquainted with the New York art scene and galleries in general. With this newfound discovery, Acconci transitioned from writing poetry to creating performative art. His performances explore the relationship between space and the human body with elements ranging from self-inflicted bite marks to traces of lipstick from a performer's mouth.