Bob Flanagan (performance artist)

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American performance artist, writer, and musician

Robert "Bob" Flanagan (December 27, 1952 – January 4, 1996) was an American performance artist, writer, and musician. He is best known for his work that explored themes of pain, suffering, and sadomasochism (S&M), often in relation to his lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis.

Early Life

Flanagan was born in New York City and diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at an early age. His family moved to Glendale, California, where he spent much of his childhood. Despite his illness, Flanagan pursued an education and graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a degree in English literature.

Career

Flanagan began his career as a writer and poet, but he gained significant attention in the 1980s and 1990s for his performance art. His performances often involved acts of extreme body modification, self-mutilation, and S&M practices, which he used to confront and cope with the pain of his illness.

One of his most notable works is the performance piece "Visiting Hours," which was exhibited at the Santa Monica Museum of Art in 1992. The piece recreated a hospital room and included videos, photographs, and live performances that depicted Flanagan's experiences with cystic fibrosis and his S&M practices.

Personal Life

Flanagan was married to Sheree Rose, who was also his dominatrix and artistic collaborator. Their relationship and Flanagan's work were documented in the film Sick: The Life & Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist by Kirby Dick.

Death

Flanagan died on January 4, 1996, in Long Beach, California, due to complications from cystic fibrosis. His work continues to be influential in the fields of performance art and body art.

Legacy

Flanagan's work has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and academic studies. He is remembered for his fearless exploration of pain and suffering, and his ability to transform his personal struggles into powerful artistic statements.

See Also

• Performance art
• Body art
• Sadomasochism
• Cystic fibrosis
• Sick: The Life & Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist