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Ephemeral art is derived from the concept of ephemerality in that is is art created with the intention of being destroyed or returning to its original composition. Ephemeral art exists across a variety of art media, though common examples include sidewalk chalk, ice sculpture, and Botanical gardens. Instances of high-profile artists working in ephemeral art has been documented as far back as the Baroque era in the 17th and 18th centuries. There are also many Contemporary artists who use ephemeral media in their practices. The Tate defines ephemeral art as being a piece of art not meant for permanent exhibition in a gallery due to its temporary nature.

Fluxus
Fluxus is an art movement developed with the intention of creating ephemeral art.

Performance art
Performance art emerged in the 1960s and is characterized by the emphasis on the presentation rather than the creation of an artifact. Cláudia Medeira describes the inception of performance art as being linked to the "dematerialization of the art object," "the notion of art as movement or action," the "use of the body as instrument," and "the occurrence of performance art as a reaction against the art market, commodification, and capitalism." While there may be comparisons between performance art and theater, the two are held by artists and art historians to be distinct. Marina Abramović is quoted as saying "To be a performance artist, you have to hate theater." Elements which separate performance art from theater are notably the rejection of story and fiction as well as a focus on site-specific performances.

One type of performance art is a "Happening," popular through several art movements including Fluxus, Gutai group, and Pop Art. One of the key ideas behind Happenings is the element of chance; allowing audience participation and environmental factors to influence the performance. . This element of chance means that the performance can never be exactly repeated, making each installation of the work an ephemeral art piece.

Wax sculpture
Wax sculpture is documented as far back as the Middle Ages. Its most common use, both historically and in the modern period, is in the creation of human effigies, generally depicting notable persons or to give thanks for the well-being of a family member.