Buster Renovatio: Cutting Edge Art

Ruskin student goes to great lengths for his art


The worlds of hairdressing and high art collided- possibly for the first and last time – in a recent live painting performance by a student of the Ruskin. 

Woz, who started at the Ruskin in 2012 following a foundation degree at Brookes, held a live performance in which his head was shaved in front of a small gathering.

The performance was one of many by the student, who last staged a live painting in front of an audience using a mop in ‘an attempt to cathartically part from his previous embodiment as an entity whilst evoking the purity and strength of his ontological absences.’

Once shaved, the hair was collected and then made into a paintbrush which was used to create a work of art.

Speaking to The Tab, Woz explained how he was aiming to parody performance art, and that the odd title for his piece was influenced by Buster Keaton and the Latin ‘renovatio’ meaning rebirth.

The very personal use of body parts as artistic tools was a way of examining the inextricability of an artist from his creation.

Conceived over a period of 10 months, the project resulted in ‘a bright metamorphosis of artistic maturity’ for Woz.

He explained: ‘the work elucidates the artistic struggle, pedestals self-indulgence and encourages the audience to share such a moment of heightened change.’

If you missed out on the chance to watch Woz in action, don’t worry. You can catch the brush in the Ruskin Degree Show on 14th – 16th June.

Photos: Andrew Walmsley

For more of Woz’ work, click here