“A Life can be lived Like a Work of Art”: Polish Performance Artist Delivers Lecture at AMU

Aligarh : The Department of English at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) hosted an insightful University Extension Lecture titled “A Performer’s Craft in the Age of Celebrity: An Assessment on Cultural Practice Paradigm”. The lecture was delivered by Ms. Justyna Jan-Krukowska, a renowned Polish scholar and performance artist, at the Arts Faculty Lounge. This lecture was a contribution to the ongoing dialogue about the evolving landscape of performance in contemporary culture.

Ms. Jan-Krukowska, trained by the direct disciples of the world-renowned Jerzy Grotowski, offered a exploration of the artist’s life. She emphasized the spiritual dimension of performance and how art can be a transformative force in shaping identity and personal growth. She stressed the importance of mentors in an artist’s journey, sharing poignant stories from her experiences that deeply resonated with the audience.

A key highlight of her lecture was the critique of celebrity culture. Ms. Jan-Krukowska warned about the dangers of a performance driven by a desire for fame, noting that such trends can strip imagination of its emotional and physical depth. She cautioned young performers against the superficial pursuit of popularity, advocating instead for authenticity and impulse-driven creativity.

The program commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Shaheena Tarannum, Chairperson of the Department of English. Prof. Mohd Rizwan Khan honored the guest with a formal felicitation. The session was moderated by Prof. Vibha Sharma. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof. Shahla Ghauri.