Marina Abramovic

Marina Abramovic is a pioneering performance artist who has pushed the boundaries of contemporary art with her feats of endurance, pain, and intense physical encounters. This book collects her complete practice into one concise and essential volume.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2022
Publisher: Laurence King Publishing

Marina Abramovic has revolutionized the realm of performance as a visual art form, renowned for her groundbreaking work that challenges the limits of human endurance, pain, and physical engagement. Her artistic creations, characterized by their extraordinary feats, have pushed the boundaries of contemporary art and solidified her position as one of the most influential artists of the past half-century. This comprehensive book presents her entire artistic practice in a concise and indispensable volume, making it a valuable resource for art enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Abramovic's artistic journey began in the late 1960s, during her formative years in Belgrade, Serbia. She was deeply influenced by the political and social climate of the time, which was characterized by the aftermath of World War II and the emergence of communism. This period of unrest and uncertainty fueled her artistic exploration and experimentation, as she sought to express the complexities of human experience and the power of the body.

One of Abramovic's most iconic works is "The Artist Is Present," which she performed at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in 2010. In this performance, Abramovic sat motionless in a white dress for three hours, facing the audience as they walked past her. The simplicity of the act and the artist's unwavering presence created a profound and intimate connection between the viewer and the artwork.

Another notable aspect of Abramovic's work is her use of endurance and pain as a means of artistic expression. She has performed numerous endurance-based pieces, such as "The Marathon," in which she sat motionless for 72 hours straight, or "The Five Days and Five Nights," in which she slept for only five minutes each day for five consecutive days. These performances not only challenge the physical limits of the artist but also delve into the psychological and emotional aspects of human experience.

Abramovic's performances often involve intense physical encounters with her audience, blurring the boundaries between performer and spectator. She has invited participants to engage with her in various ways, from touching and kissing to sharing personal stories and experiences. These interactions create a sense of vulnerability and intimacy, as the artist and the audience share a profound connection that goes beyond the surface.

Through her work, Abramovic has explored themes of power, gender, identity, and the body. She has challenged traditional notions of art and performance, questioning the hierarchies and structures that govern our understanding of art and culture. Her performances have also been a platform for activism and social change, as she has used her art to raise awareness about issues such as war, violence, and human rights.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Abramovic has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She has been appointed a United Nations Messenger of Peace and has received the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale, one of the most prestigious art awards in the world. Her influence on contemporary art has been profound, and her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the globe.

In conclusion, Marina Abramovic has truly pioneered performance as a visual art form, pushing the boundaries of contemporary art and cementing her reputation as one of the most significant artists of the past 50 years. Her work, renowned for its feats of endurance, pain, and intense physical encounter, has explored the complexities of human experience and the power of the body. Through her groundbreaking performances, Abramovic has challenged traditional notions of art and performance, explored themes of power, gender, identity, and the body, and used her art as a platform for activism and social change. This comprehensive book brings her entire artistic practice together in a concise and essential volume, making it a valuable resource for art enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 181 x 220 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913947514