VISUAL ART vs. THEATRE

"The biggest difference between theatre work and visual work
is the use of the observer's time.

In theatre, the creator determines the time an image is observed.
In a work of visual art, the observer himself determines this time.

In my theatre work I use the notion of the 'borderline image'.
This is an image which, because I extend the normal duration of the observation,
has time to penetrate into the observer's brain.

This image then makes history for the observer.

The image becomes a memory. 

At this moment the distinction between a borderline image (in the theatre) and a visual work ceases to exist. 

If art does not penetrate into the observer's memory,

it does not exist." 

John Lauwers, Needcompany Dance, Belgium