• (The) Research of the performance art and culture
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• no.40
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• pp.5-35
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• 2020

Affect is intensity and quality that are generated as the physical body senses the outside world. Of experienced affect, notions that are granted meaning and interpretation are emotions. Affect theory distinguishes emotion and affect and by focusing on affect, it provides methods with which to analyze physical body responses and changes and it presents new possibilities to performing arts research that uses the physical body as a medium. Nong-ak is art that concentrates mainly on the occurrence of affect rather than 'representation'. Nong-ak is a performance type in which sound, color, texture, and physical movement overlap and exist in a synesthetic way. Here, physical things such as instruments, props, costumes, and stage devices are gathered together with non-physical things such as rhythm, mood, and atmosphere around human bodies. The physical body is stimulated by these things, displays tendencies that suit performances, and becomes 'the body without an image' as it immerses itself into the performance, acting while displaying 'quasi-corporeality'. The body, which moves automatically as if without consciousness, appears more easily within groups. To transition individuals of everyday life to 'the body without an image', Nong-ak executes the group physical exercise of 'Jinpuri'. Such physical exercise builds up affect by increasing nonverbal communion and communication and brings out the creativity of individuals within mutual trust and a sense of belonging. Affect and emotion stirred up by Nong-ak act as confirmation and affirmation of the existence, vitality, and ability of one's self and groups. Such affirmation recalls Nong-ak as a meaningful and important value from group dimensions and perceives it as a performance form that should be preserved and passed on.