At 77, Abramović continues to challenge norms with iconic art performances
Marina Abramović celebrated her 77th birthday on November 30th. Originating from Serbia, she gained international recognition through her performances, most notably "The Artist is Present" and "Rhythm 0", during which participants were given freedom to interact with her body as they pleased.
12:14 PM EST, November 30, 2023
Among her remarkable performances was "Rhythm 0" in 1974. Abramović sat for six hours, unmoving. Various props laid before her ranged from benign, like a feather or a rose intended for pleasure, to dangerous items, like a knife and a loaded gun intended for harm or even death. The audience instructions were simple yet provocative: I offer my body as an object, for you to do whatever you want with it.
Marina Abramović's reflections on "Rhythm 0"
At first, nobody dared approach Abramović. Eventually, participants ventured gentle, heartfelt actions - a kiss on the cheek or offering her a rose. As the performance drew on, their behaviors turned alarming. Abramović was subjected to slapping, hair cutting, and even clothing removal. Extreme actions followed, with a spectator cutting her with a knife and another pressing a loaded gun to her temple.
"The performance demonstrated how swiftly individuals can shed their humanity when given permission. A passive subject quickly becomes an object in the eyes of others. This is evidence of a darker side to humanity that can switch from 'normal' to monstrous with frightening ease," commented Abramović.
"The Artist is Present": What was the performance about?
Another well-known performance was "The Artist is Present", hosted by New York's Museum of Modern Art in 2010. Abramović would be seated at a table for eight hours a day over three months, exchanging intense gazes with anyone who chose to sit opposite her.
A decade later, "The Artist is Present" was reprised. This time, participation slots could be bid on, with all proceeds donated to Ukraine.
