In the early 1970s, Dennis Oppenheim (b. 1938) was in the vanguard of artists using film and video in relation to performance. In a series of works produced between 1970 and 1974, Oppenheim used his body as a site to challenge the self, exploring personal risk, transformation, and communication through ritualistic performance actions and interactions.
 
In the 27:18 min long group of video works "Program Six", made between 1971 and 1972 (b&w and color, silent) themes of transference and energy are investigated in performances, which are enacted in collaboration with Oppenheim's children. Oppenheim writes: "As I run a marker along Erik's back, he attempts to return the movement to my back. In feeding stimuli through my son, I make contact with my past, which is what is returned to me through his drawing."
 
List of works:
 
"Forming Sounds"
US 1971, 7:14 min, b&w and color, silent
 
"2 Stage Transfer Drawing (Advancing to Future State)"
US 1971, 2:48 min, color, silent
 
"2 Stage Transfer Drawing (Retreating to a Past State)"
US 1971, 2:57 min, color, silent
 
"A Feedback Situation"
US 1971, 3:02 min, color, silent
 
"3 Stage Transfer Drawing"
US 1972, 3:07 min, color, silent
 
"Two Stage Transfer Drawing (Returning to a Past State)"
US 1971, 3 min, color, silent
 
"Objectified Counterforces"
US 1971, 2:06 min, color, silent
 
"Shadow Project"
US 1971, 3:04 min, color, silent