People generally expect to see paintings and sculptures in art galleries. Imagine the surprise of being presented with a man sewing his face into a bizarre caricature or connected to a machine that controls the artist's body. These shocking works of performance art fit into the broad framework of postmodernism. The emphasis on meaning and shock value replaced the traditional skills and aesthetic values ​​evident in earlier modernist movements. Like many other postmodern artists, Mike Parr and Stelarc create bizarre, shocking and confronting works of art that provoke an instinctive reaction from their audience. Their performance pieces use few traditional skills, but instead emphasize a concept, require immense feats of endurance, and utilize modern technology. “In conceptual art, the idea or concept is the most important aspect of the work. When an artist uses a conceptual art form, it means that all the planning and decisions are made in advance and the execution is a superficial affair. The idea becomes a machine that creates art. (Sol LeWitt - Artform, 1967)Mike Parr, an Australian performance artist, creates shocking pieces that "...question the limits of the body and mind and question the nature of creativity itself .” (Bruce James-ABC Radio, 2001). Her work is confronting and often involves sensory depravity and/or self-harm. “Her performances often tested the limits of the artist's body and often had a profound impact on her audiences.” (Sherman Galleries, 2004). An example of this is his performance, Close the Concentration Camps, 2002, in which Parr had his face stitched while in solitary confinement. Parr's work "...often protests the inhumane treatment of...... middle of paper ........." (Flash Art Online). This angered animal rights groups such as the RSPCA, and was intended to confront and shock spectators with "revolting situations" (Mirror/Asse Exhibition), including footage of Parr cutting himself the arm with a blade, holding his hand over a flame, and vomiting blue dye. This emphasis on shock tactics is at the heart of postmodernism, and many, but not all, postmodern works aim to confront the viewer and provoke a strong reaction. Controversial performers such as Mike Parr and Stelarc emphasize shock value and meaning over traditional skills. and aesthetics, and use their own bodies as a medium, while working with new mediums and technologies such as video, performance, sound and robotics. As postmodern art continues to push the boundaries of what is - and is not - acceptable as art, the general public is left wondering "what's next?" ? »?’.