Bruce Nauman's exploration of body casts is a pivotal aspect of his multifaceted career, demonstrating his deep interest in the human body as both a subject and medium. His engagement with body casts began early in his career, where he used the process as a means to explore and document the physical presence and intricacies of the human form. This interest is part of a broader examination of identity, communication, and the artist's role in society​ (Encyclopedia Britannica)​.

Nauman's work with body casts intersects with his broader use of various materials and forms to probe the limits of language, space, and the human condition. For instance, his early works involved casting parts of his own body, which later evolved into more complex installations that incorporated these casts to challenge viewers' perceptions and engage them physically and psychologically​ (The Art Story)​. This evolution reflects Nauman's shift from using his own body as the primary subject to considering the viewer's body as an integral part of the artwork, thus blurring the boundaries between the art object and the observer​ (National Portrait Gallery)​.

Throughout his career, Nauman has consistently used his work to question the nature of art itself, employing a wide range of media, including performance, sculpture, video, and neon. His body casts serve as a critical component of this inquiry, offering a tangible yet provocative exploration of form, presence, and the ephemeral nature of human existence. By manipulating his own body and later, the space around the viewer, Nauman transforms the act of viewing into a physical and conceptual experience, inviting a deeper engagement with the artwork​ (The Art Story)​​ (Encyclopedia Britannica)​.