How to Tap Dance

Artist Michael Itkoff American, born 1981

Date2014

MediumVideo looped on custom-built LCD module

Dimensions9 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 2 in. (24.1 x 16.5 x 5.1 cm)

ClassificationsTime Based Media

Credit LineGift of the artist in honor of Lawrence J. Wheeler

Object number2015.31

On View

Not on view

Label TextHow to Tap Dance is part of the How To series of video works by artist Michael Itkoff. As described by the artist, “For the series of 'How To' video pieces I have sourced instructional booklets from the early-to-mid 20th century including books on Karate, Yoga, Aerobics and other physical activities. -- The short GIF-like loops that comprise How To are made by scanning, editing and sequencing the crude black and white photographs that illustrate the books and the resulting videos are exhibited on custom-built display units.” Other titles in Itkoff’s video series include How to Do Aerobics, How to Master Karate, and How to Have a Better Body, among others. Exploring issues of identity and classification by race, gender, religion, physical appearance, Itkoff provokes the viewer to question societal norms of homogeneity versus individuality in pursuit of perfection and an idealized version of beauty.
[L. Dougherty, 2015]ProvenanceCreated United States, 2014; collection of the artist; given to NCMA, 2015. Object Rights Statement

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