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975072 points | 2601 comments
98clear
99account activity
100This is an archived post. You won't be able to vote or comment.
101844
102I am performance artist Marina Abramovic. Ask me anything.
103submitted 3 years ago * by abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC
104I have been a performance artist for 40 years of my life. I have done many works that stretch the limitations of the mind and body. Look this, this, this, this, this, and this to see examples.
105My most recent work, "The Artist Is Present", was at MoMA in New York. I sat for 736 hours across from anyone who wanted to sit with me.
106I am now doing a Kickstarter to create an institute for long durational performance. Join me on the adventure. Ask me anything.
107(Proof)
108Edit: Thank you for the questions. I enjoyed it very much. I might do it again another time. In the meanwhile you can see this video of a joke.
109New Edit: I will be back on this page to answer questions on Monday, August 19th at 3pm. Then I will answer questions for Kickstarter backers only here. I will also later be hugging every backer of the Kickstarter. I hope we reach the goal.
110New Edit: I am here. Ask me anything.
111New Edit: I am now going to the MAI Kickstarter to answer questions of backers here. Join us and back now. We have only five days left to reach the goal. Thank you all.
112689 commentssharesavehidegive goldreport
113Top 200 Commentsshow 500
114sorted by: best
115[–]tpmule2504 87 points 3 years ago 
116I'm a security guard at the Museum of Contemporary Art (chicago), I see your photograph with you standing in the abandoned orphanage everyday. It's one of those things that grounds me, doing what I do.
117permalinkembedsavegive gold
118[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 68 points 3 years ago 
119For me it is very important to do what I believe and to have every day sense of reality. I am very happy that it grounds you.
120permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
121[–]tmus66 8 points 3 years ago 
122I worked my way through college as a guard at the old museum on Ontario. I was a Philosophy major, not an artist but I met some amazing people there and found the galleries a great place for contemplation.
123permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
124load more comments (1 reply)
125[–]sahba 145 points 3 years ago 
126Dear Marina, thanks for this AMA.
1271) What was that final hug on top of the Great Wall of China like? Can you describe it for us?
1282) This question may be too personal, but why did you two decide to part ways at that time?
1293) How is your heart?
130permalinkembedsavegive gold
131[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 357 points 3 years ago 
1321) One of the most painful moments of my life. I knew this was over, I new it was end of very important period of my life. I just remember I could not stop crying. 2) It's very simple: Ulay was not faithful. He made the translator pregnant at the time and this was very difficult to handle. 3) I am not in love and I am free.
133permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
134[–]QueerAvenger 58 points 3 years ago 
135Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability.
136permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
137[–]johnta17 2 points 3 years ago 
138Marina, When you say "I am not in love and I am free" do you associate being in love with being trapped or caged?
139permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
140load more comments (2 replies)
141[–]godessceline 38 points 3 years ago 
142You have previously mentioned that you are not a feminist. What is a feminist to you, and did your views on feminism and sisterhood change after your recent all-women lecture? Hearing you talk about it, it sounds as if you connected with every woman present in a very beautiful and genuine way.
143permalinkembedsavegive gold
144[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 14 points 3 years ago 
145It's not that my views on feminism changed. I think that feminism itself has changed. Feminism now is not the same as in the 70's and after my experience with the all-women lecture, I am much more open to the idea of sisterhood than I was before and also my understanding of female energy is different.
146permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
147[–]Jethrogalloch 37 points 3 years ago 
148Can you describe the most intense single emotion you have ever felt during your career as a performing artist? What brought it on, and did it have any impact upon whatever you may have been doing at the time?
149permalinkembedsavegive gold
150[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 98 points 3 years ago 
151Definitely coming back to the hotel after Rhythm 0 performance at two in the morning, looking in the mirror and realizing that a big piece of my hair just got white.
152permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
153[–]grizzburger -26 points 3 years ago 
154So you're Rogue?
155permalinksaveparentgive gold
156[–]dreamshoes 28 points 3 years ago 
157I saw you perform "The Artist Is Present" at the MoMA and found it extremely moving, though I did not participate. Would you mind saying a bit about your mindset during the performance? Was it more a blank, meditative state, or did you make a concerted effort to achieve a nonverbal connection with each person that sat across from you?
158permalinkembedsavegive gold
159[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 56 points 3 years ago 
160Both. It's very important to come to the non-thinking state and it takes lots of effort and once you are in that state, that makes much more easy communication with the person in front of you because you are able to see him as he is, not through the way of your thinking.
161permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
162load more comments (1 reply)
163[–]abrouse 29 points 3 years ago 
164What makes you cry?
165permalinkembedsavegive gold
166[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 76 points 3 years ago 
167Lies.
168permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
169[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 79 points 3 years ago 
170And other people's unhappiness.
171permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
172load more comments (1 reply)
173[+]ucarrilho comment score below threshold  (0 children)
174[–]_conceptual_ 91 points 3 years ago 
175You do not appear to have aged at all in 40 years. Are you a vampire? If not, to what do you credit your eternal youth?
176permalinkembedsavegive gold
177[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 188 points 3 years ago 
178I will soon post the photos of my grandmother who was 103 and her mother who was 116 to prove that Montenegro people live long and never age.
179permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
180[–]aaaaaaaargh 42 points 3 years ago 
181So it's basically confirmed
182permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
183[–]whitew0lf 12 points 3 years ago 
184TIL, Marina Abramovic is a vampire
185permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
186load more comments (1 reply)
187[–]overezee 11 points 3 years ago 
188Being a vampire is very long duration performance art.
189permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
190load more comments (1 reply)
191[–]count_scoopula 2 points 3 years ago 
192Lasers.
193permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
194load more comments (2 replies)
195[–]marshallastor 38 points 3 years ago 
196What is intimacy?
197permalinkembedsavegive gold
198[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 90 points 3 years ago 
199Complete trust.
200permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
201[–]cloudhorn30 2 points 3 years ago 
202I agree with you, I think every relationship I've had has died with the eventual loss of trust on both parts.
203permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
204[–]monoglot 74 points 3 years ago 
205Hi Marina,
206I am intrigued by the final reward for your Kickstarter:
207Pledge $10,000 or more
208[THE EXERCISES / LIVE EVENT: NOTHING] Marina will do nothing. You will do nothing. You will not be publicly acknowledged.
209Estimated delivery: Aug 2013
210I have gone my entire life thus far without being acknowledged by you. Assuming you answer this question, can I pledge $10,000 (or more) to have your current acknowledgment of me and this question wiped off the books, in essence returning me to my prior, primeval state of Abramovićical unacknowledgment?
211permalinkembedsavegive gold
212[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 66 points 3 years ago* 
213Yes. However you want to see it. But contribution would be appreciated.
214permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
215load more comments (1 reply)
216[–][deleted] 3 years ago 
217[deleted]
218[–]monoglot 16 points 3 years ago 
219I might have to get my own Kickstarter page for Abramovićical unacknowledgment.
220permalinkembedsavegive gold
221[–]RedPotato 51 points 3 years ago 
222What question fo you wish people asked you but never do?
223permalinkembedsavegive gold
224[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 106 points 3 years ago 
225"Are you happy?" Nobody asks this.
226permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
227[–]joejeo11 24 points 3 years ago 
228are you happy?
229permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
230load more comments (3 replies)
231[–]toddlergangbang 16 points 3 years ago 
232Hi Marina! Ever since I saw the documentation of you eating the onion, I've always wondered if there has ever been a performance that has pushed you close to, or over the edge as a performer--have you ever reached the point of no return in any of your works?
233permalinkembedsavegive gold
234[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 38 points 3 years ago 
235If I reach the point of no return, I would not be here answering this question. I like to go the edge and to feel that moment but there is no point of crossing. Life is too precious.
236permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
237[–]fontastico 15 points 3 years ago 
238What music do you enjoy? Do your ideas or tastes in music (or sound in general) play a formative role in your work?
239permalinkembedsavegive gold
240[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 37 points 3 years ago 
241I was brought up listening to classical music. I like Bach, Chopin, Mozart. I also like to listen to multicultural music like Portuguese Fado, Argentinian tangos, like Antony and the Johnsons, etc.
242permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
243[–]saintdada 13 points 3 years ago* 
244Marina, when you are having a bad day what do you tell yourself/ what keeps you going? x
245permalinkembedsavegive gold
246[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 44 points 3 years ago 
247I'm not attached to bad day or good day. We always know after the rain the sun will come. It is a law of nature. When it is really, really bad day, I take a long bath full of Kosher salt and baking soda, soak for 30 minutes, and I feel better.
248permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
249[–]newdutchking 29 points 3 years ago 
250What is your relationship with spirituality?
251Why is it a rule in your manifesto not to fall in love with another artist?
252permalinkembedsavegive gold
253[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 70 points 3 years ago 
2541) So spirituality is very important part of life and art. I am not talking about religions because they are institutions. I am talking about understanding yourself on a deeper level.
2552) I have done this three times and each time I had the heart broke. This comes from my own personal experience. It's very competitive situation, and it's a very complicated story I cannot answer in a few words. It's a matter of longer conversation.
256permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
257[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 55 points 3 years ago 
258But the best is to look history of artists living together form the past to now and see how many tragic ends are there.
259permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
260[–][deleted] 3 years ago 
261[deleted]
262[–]newdutchking 1 point 3 years ago 
263But do you think some of your most important art was created from collaborations with other artists? Even though there are often tragic ends to love between artists, can the art be worth the tragic end?
264permalinksaveparentgive gold
265[–]MsGottlieb 1 point 3 years ago 
266But love stories can end badly even if you're not artist... I just wonder if it hurts more because of how close you can get...
267permalinksaveparentgive gold
268[–]orange_tangential 6 points 3 years ago 
269Hi Marina, is it like sharpening each other? Even if it's painful...
270permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
271[–]joysbreath 40 points 3 years ago 
272In Rhythm 0, you were aimed at with a gun. Would you die for art?
273A lot of your work has to do with inflicting pain. What does pain mean to you?
274I think your work is so moving. I love your work!
275permalinkembedsavegive gold
276[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 27 points 3 years ago 
277My performance Rhythm 0 was a piece I was ready to die for. But I was not the one who used the gun. It was up to the audience if they used or not. Pain is very important to understand. All human beings have a fear of pain. The only way to get rid of pain is to confront the pain, and this is what I have been doing in performance.
278permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
279[–]boudy077 6 points 3 years ago 
280She sort of answered this in a question below.
281"If I reach the point of no return, I would not be here answering this question. I like to go the edge and to feel that moment but there is no point of crossing. Life is too precious."
282permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
283[–]walmartsushi 16 points 3 years ago 
284I feel like your work is so symbolic and so focused. I'm fascinated by your presentation. I'm not a performer (I'm a musician) so this is new territory for me and I wanted to know more about your process.
285How do you come up with an idea for a performance piece? How do you flesh it out? How do you think about communicating the meaning of a piece?
286Thank you!
287permalinkembedsavegive gold
288[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 31 points 3 years ago 
289I only pick up the ideas who I am afraid of or who are disturbing or who I have never been in that territory before. Ideas who are nice, friendly, or I like them I do not choose because they are too easy. It's very important to create high standards for yourself, no matter what. My ideas come from life not from studio.
290permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
291[–]lazaralazara 12 points 3 years ago 
292From the perspective of an artist who's works "stretch the limitations of the mind and body" - where do you find (or not) reconciliation with your mortality?
293Iz perspektive umetnice čija dela "pomeraju granice uma i tela" - kako se bavite i mirite (ili ne) sa svojom smrtnošću?
294permalinkembedsavegive gold
295[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 23 points 3 years ago 
296I am thinking about death every day. I include ideas of death in daily life. I am now in the last stage of my life when I have to consider dying as a possibility. I can't say I'm not afraid of it but I can say that I understand that more and more than I ever have before. It's a part of my work too. The Life and Death of Marina Abramovic, directed by Bob Wilson, starts with my funeral.
297permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
298[–]lazaralazara 3 points 3 years ago 
299thank you.
300permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
301[–][deleted] 66 points 3 years ago 
302What passed though your head when you saw Ulay at The Artist Is Present at MoMA?
303permalinkembedsave
304[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 105 points 3 years ago 
305It was very emotional. Entire life of our twelve years together went like a fast forward film. These moments of intensity were very important for me.
306permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
307[–]mawmy 14 points 3 years ago 
308Video
309permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
310load more comments (1 reply)
311[–]zoebokany 32 points 3 years ago 
312Have you ever doubted yourself?
313permalinkembedsavegive gold
314[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 70 points 3 years ago 
315In my emotional life. Never in my artistic.
316permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
317[–]Respectfullyyours 8 points 3 years ago 
318How do you gain such confidence in your artistic endeavors?
319permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
320[–]haoooo 4 points 3 years ago 
321As a performance artist, can you really divorce the two?
322permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
323load more comments (1 reply)
324[–]sarahgj 69 points 3 years ago 
325I am reading your biography, and was lucky enough to see you speak at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center Last week (thank you!). One of the things I was touched by in the book were the occasions with Nesy and Ulay where you opted to forgo parenthood because of the life you wanted to pursue as an artist. I have chosen the same, and wonder if you have any thoughts on this very important choice looking back. Would you have had time for children? How you do feel about these decisions now?
326permalinkembedsavegive gold
327[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 96 points 3 years ago 
328I never wanted to have children. I never had the biological clock running like other women. I always wanted to be an artist and I knew that I could not divide this energy into anything else. Looking back, I think it was the right decision.
329permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
330[–]sarahgj 17 points 3 years ago 
331I totally understand - thank you, Marina. I never wanted children either, and as a woman in American culture, that almost makes you a pariah...particularly if you're choosing to be an ARTIST over being a parent. It's ok if you "can't" have kids, but people look at you sideways if you "don't want" kids. Here's to living a meaningful life, in whatever form that takes. All the best to you! xo
332permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
333load more comments (1 reply)
334[–]sahba 10 points 3 years ago 
335What a wonderful question
336permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
337load more comments (2 replies)
338[–]aphorismo 10 points 3 years ago 
339what is your relationship with Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy like? How have you mutually influenced each other?
340permalinkembedsavegive gold
341[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 11 points 3 years ago 
342We are very good friends. He is a part of my artist family. He is original creator and I respect him. Plus, we have lots of fun together, which is important.
343permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
344[–]abackherms 27 points 3 years ago 
345Would you one day, when you are very old, chose to end your life as part of a performance?
346permalinkembedsavegive gold
347[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 95 points 3 years ago 
348Never. The killing of yourself is against my principal.
349permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
350[–]joyce31990 2 points 3 years ago 
351how do you take balance between family and your creation, or u just sacrifice the relationship between u and your family?
352permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
353load more comments (3 replies)
354[–]icemmm 18 points 3 years ago 
355In your performances you seem comfortable revealing so much that is usually private, your body and your physical and emotional pain. At what point if any, do you feel the need for privacy? Or do you see no line between your art and your life?
356permalinkembedsavegive gold
357[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 14 points 3 years ago 
358I have a very strong sense of purpose in my life and in my work. I gave up privacy long time ago. In many ways, I decided to sacrifice my private life to the work.
359permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
360[–][deleted] 3 years ago 
361[deleted]
362[–]translunary 30 points 3 years ago* 
363What advice (if any) do you have for a young artist who is just...tired? I mean tired of thinking of the meaningfulness and social aspects of art, tired of making and doing projects, tired of everything that it means to live and breathe art.
364I am inspired, and yet I feel like I can never provide a sufficient outlet for my ideas...and that is a very exhausting concept. How do you persevere, especially since a lot of your work seems to deal with the idea of exhaustion of self?
365permalinkembedsavegive gold
366[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 16 points 3 years ago 
367First of all, it is important to find the joy in what you are doing. Even if you are tired, even if you are exhausted, if you still have the determination to deliver the concept, which is more important than your own self, then the joy will be there. True love for whatever you are doing is the answer to everything.
368permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
369load more comments (1 reply)
370[–][deleted] 3 years ago 
371[deleted]
372[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 6 points 3 years ago 
373Thank you. I really appreciate your support and I hope that you will be one of the visitors to my institute when it opens.
374permalinkembedsavegive gold
375[–]joejeo11 32 points 3 years ago 
376Why did you choose performance art as your medium?
377permalinkembedsavegive gold
378[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 61 points 3 years ago 
379It is very important for an artist to understand which is the right medium for him to work. I was very lucky that I found very early that performance art was the only way that I can give my message. It's immediate, it's time-based, it's immaterial.
380permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
381[–][deleted] 9 points 3 years ago 
382As a burgeoning artist, I really needed to hear this, both because of the wisdom in suggesting that the artist should find his or her right medium, which necessarily involves a profound degree of self-awareness and introspection; and also because your advice celebrates our deciding for ourselves what our medium will be. Thank you.
383permalinkembedsaveparent
384load more comments (1 reply)
385[–]poiein 14 points 3 years ago 
386You said that “The hardest thing is to do something which is close to nothing, because it’s demanding all of you.” What is the closest thing to nothing you have ever done?
387permalinkembedsavegive gold
388[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 31 points 3 years ago 
389Completely surrendering to my migraine attack when I could not move or open my eyes, just let pain take over.
390permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
391[–]godessceline 16 points 3 years ago 
392Many of those of us with a creative streak find that although our minds are constantly buzzing, we're often the most creative late at night. Is it the same for you, and if so - why do you think that is, and what is your relation to the night?
393permalinkembedsavegive gold
394[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 28 points 3 years ago 
395When I was young, I would only work at night. But now, after 50, I start to like mornings. I think with age, the rhythm changes.
396permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
397[–]doctabu 13 points 3 years ago 
398For whatever reason (I could go into a separate comment just about this), I sat in line from 2AM one day to sit with you at MoMA.
399I finally did just under 12 hours later. This is me.
400People always ask me why I got emotional, and it's always hard to put my finger exactly as to why I did. I can compare the feeling to other emotional moments, but I can't get a perfect answer.
401But one thing that did happen is people came to me afterwards and asked me what "I had done" to make you cry, as you did while I was sitting with you. There was most definitely a connection, but I'm curious—what was going through your mind? I don't expect you to remember you sitting with me.
402Whatever the case, I want to thank you for changing my perspective wholeheartedly on performance art. There's a certain simplicity (but not ease) that your work has that I love.
403permalinkembedsavegive gold
404[–]tbirdtj 18 points 3 years ago 
405I watched your documentary on "The Artist Is Present", and I have to say I gained a whole new appreciation for performance art. It was crazy to me that just sitting there staring at another person could evoke so much emotion for the person sitting across from you. What did you feel from your perspective? Could you feel their emotions projected onto you?
406permalinkembedsavegive gold
407[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 8 points 3 years ago 
408The first minute I felt the emotions of the other person being projectected on me, but after a while, the emotions came purely out of the person themself, and they were real and personal. I just became a mirror of themselves. Their emotions moved me, and I let my emotions come out also.
409permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
410[–]Salacious- 32 points 3 years ago 
411Who was the most obnoxious person that you met while sitting with people? Why were they annoying?
412permalinkembedsavegive gold
413[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 52 points 3 years ago 
414There was many people who sit in the front of me who in the first moments I was irritated or angry. But during the session, that energy changed, and I do not have any bad memory of this.
415permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
416[–]Respectfullyyours 6 points 3 years ago 
417Why were you irritated or angry? Was it the way they approached the situation?
418permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
419load more comments (2 replies)
420[–]kumpkump 24 points 3 years ago* 
421Which was your favorite of your Rhythm performances? What piece have you done that has scared you the most? What advice do you have for young artists of any medium?
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423[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 57 points 3 years ago 
424The most scary performance for me was Rhythm 0, not just because my life was in jeopardy but also that the public had complete control and not me. Through the process I realized that if you give total freedom to the public, they really can kill you.
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426[–]forgotmyusernamek 17 points 3 years ago 
427How surprised were you when someone pointed the gun at your face, and if you actually were killed would you consider the performance to be failed or a huge success?
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429[–]whitepangolin 19 points 3 years ago 
430I don't think she'd have much of an opinion after being killed
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432load more comments (1 reply)
433[–]edman1905 9 points 3 years ago 
434I was trying to find a video of this performance, so I could see what you experienced, but couldn't find any.
435Does video of rhythm 0 exist? If so, are you able to post it?
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438[–]dleuze 6 points 3 years ago 
439Do you read anything of what academics write about your work? If so, what was/is your reaction? (Specifically to the discussion about your "Seven Easy Pieces")
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441[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 16 points 3 years ago 
442I read everything that people write about my work. I am interested in their opinions. Doesn't mean that I am agreeing with everything. For me it is very valuable what artists think about my work because sometimes academics complicate it too much.
443permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
444[–]Spiveys 7 points 3 years ago 
445How did Rhythm 0 help you grow as an artist? It definitely seems like one of your most controversial and defining pieces. Did it teach you to become fearless?
446Also, how is working with Lady Gaga? Does she share your passion for performance art? Can you give us a tease on what's to come?
447permalinkembedsavegive gold
448[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 3 points 3 years ago 
449Rhythm 0 was a very strong experience for me. First of all, it taught me that if you give the public freedom, they can kill you. It is a very important lesson that you can only trust yourself with how far you can push your own limits, mental and physical. You can't trust the public to do this for you.
450permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
451[–]rafagros 21 points 3 years ago 
452What do you think about Damien Hirst work? Do you think art is becoming more entertainment and less vanguard?
453permalinkembedsavegive gold
454[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 57 points 3 years ago 
455Good artist, incredible business man.
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457[–][deleted] 3 years ago 
458[deleted]
459[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 54 points 3 years ago 
460In art, there is always such a risk. But the most important is the attitude of the artist himself. How this sensationalism affects him. If the artist understands this is just a side effect and not the main aim of his work, then he can handle it. Otherwise, the sensationalism can destroy himself and the art.
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462[–]westielax 12 points 3 years ago 
463Damien Hirst should read this answer.
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467[–]emerald_polarbear 17 points 3 years ago 
468What is the most valuable lesson you have learned about human nature?
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470[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 58 points 3 years ago 
471It is very, very easy to put human spirit down and much more important to lift it up.
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474[–]Frajer 16 points 3 years ago 
475What happens if you have to sneeze or something when you're sitting there at MOMA?
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477[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 33 points 3 years ago 
478Yes, that many times happen that I have to sneeze. But I also developed technique with the breathing that you can repress it. It's not easy but worked.
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480[–]camraml 11 points 3 years ago 
481Marina, where are you?
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483[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 28 points 3 years ago 
484I'm right now sitting on the wooden chair in the front of the computer and answering as much questions as I can in one hour because I think it is important to answer honestly and openly.
485permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
486[–]Fuhdawin 7 points 3 years ago 
487What did you want to be growing up?
488permalinkembedsavegive gold
489[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 20 points 3 years ago 
490I always want to be an artist and nothing else ever.
491permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
492[–]ccp108 10 points 3 years ago 
493Your piece "An artist's life Manifesto" has fascinated me for some time. I struggle with perfectionism and put a lot of pressure on myself as an artist. This work captured a lot of what I have experienced, as did "Art Must Be Beautiful." How do you cope with perfectionism and self criticism?
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495[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 21 points 3 years ago 
496I am my worst critic. I am also perfectionist. Before I start performance, I have to have everything in place. I am obsessive about details. But once I start, I let it go. Whatever unexpected thing happens in that time is a part of the piece.
497permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
498[–]jjoselyn 7 points 3 years ago 
499Why the red dress in the artist is present?
500permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
501[–]disleksicar 12 points 3 years ago 
502What bothers me the most is, how does it feel doing something which is close to nothing? I have always feared to encounter such manifestations.
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504[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 30 points 3 years ago 
505To do nothing is much more difficult than to do things. Tibetans have a beautiful word for nothing which means full emptiness, but emptiness with meaning. To get to that kind of state of mind is lots of work.
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508[–]redspoon 15 points 3 years ago 
509What advice to do you have for the throng of young artists who idolize you?
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511[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 34 points 3 years ago 
512Before you start to be an artist, you have to be sure that this is what you want. And then you have to be ready to sacrifice everything and be ready to be alone. It's not easy life, but when you succeed with your ideas, reward is wonderful. Maybe I became idol to the young people because I never comprised. I never see myself like idol, but I can't prevent public to see me that way.
513permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
514[–]montanachill 20 points 3 years ago 
515Hi Marina, First I just wanted to say how impressive I think your work is. I had been walking through MOMA with my dad when I saw you sitting in front of a young woman and was mesmerized by your control and sense of calm. I remember hearing about a performance you did in which you sat in front of a large table filled with various items, including a loaded handgun, which anybody could use. One person actually ended up pointing the gun at you, yet you sat still.
516All of your pieces seem to be equally physically/emotionally exhausting. My question to you is how do you retain such control and calm under such duress?
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518[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 32 points 3 years ago 
519I train all my life to do that. The most important is to in life create the very strong discipline and whatever you decide to do, never give up. That makes me focus. And also, it is very important in your life to sense a purpose. Once you find a sense of purpose, you can do anything.
520permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
521[–]ljv123 10 points 3 years ago 
522What if you can't find that sense of purpose? Where can you look for it?
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524load more comments (1 reply)
525[–]cathiusca 16 points 3 years ago 
526If someone forced you to move to a cabin in the middle of the woods by yourself for a year, and said you could only take 3 books with you, which books would you choose?
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528[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 66 points 3 years ago 
529I would not take the books. I would take three journal with white pages that I can write in. I'd rather write about my experience than read about others'.
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531[–]MinimalisticGlutton 3 points 3 years ago 
532This may be my favorite answer of yours in this thread--strive to create something of your own, instead of consuming media that's been done before.
533permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
534[–]Redstreak1 14 points 3 years ago 
535What are some things you have planned with Gaga for the ARTRave that you can tell us about?
536permalinkembedsavegive gold
537[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 21 points 3 years ago 
538It's a secret at the moment. But we are both excited.
539permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
540[–]kirenosliw 21 points 3 years ago 
541Why do you keep referring to an artist as "himself" when you are a woman?
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543[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 95 points 3 years ago 
544But everybody knows that I am the woman. In Serbian, my native language, art and artist are male noun and adjectives, so it is a matter of translation. I don't put importance to this. It doesn't matter who is making art, male or female, what matters is good or bad art.
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547[–]MedeaLucifera 5 points 3 years ago 
548Have you ever heard about the avant-garde composer and performance artist - Diamanda Galas, what do you think about her and would you like to work with her?
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551[–]valefusa 5 points 3 years ago 
552How are you?
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554[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 3 points 3 years ago 
555Right now, I am in Oslo working on a new project and also the MAI Kickstarter. I am exhausted and happy.
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557[–]whitew0lf 4 points 3 years ago 
558You are a Goddess. That is all. All my love to you, you're amazing!
559permalinkembedsavegive gold
560[–]Getawhale 9 points 3 years ago 
561What are your views on those who intentionally risk death in the name of performance art?
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563[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 3 points 3 years ago 
564This is a very difficult question. I cannot speak for anybody else except for myself. In my case, I don't want to die during the performance. I only want to know how far I can go.
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566[–]puremood 38 points 3 years ago 
567do you take Jay-Z seriously
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569[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 97 points 3 years ago 
570I do. He comes from really troubled background. He make his own way from the really difficult childhood and struggle to being rapper royalty and that's not easy. I respect that.
571permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
572[–]joejeo11 11 points 3 years ago 
573How did that performance with Jay Z come about?
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575[–][deleted] 3 years ago 
576[deleted]
577[–][deleted] 15 points 3 years ago 
578everyone is a fan of big pimpin
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583[–]creesteeeena 8 points 3 years ago 
584Hi, Marina. First of all, thanks for giving us a little of your time.
585I would like to know: have any pieces of music influenced your performances?
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587[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 4 points 3 years ago 
588Yes. John Cage. He introduced silence in music. This was really influential on me.
589permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
590[–]lelebuonerba 7 points 3 years ago 
591What's your favorite place in Milan?
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593[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 13 points 3 years ago 
594The PAC museum.
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596[–]RedPotato 9 points 3 years ago 
597Influential art blog Hyperallergic called the JayZ Picasso Baby event "The day performance art died". How do you feel about this?
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599[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 20 points 3 years ago 
600Performance art never dies. It's like a phoenix, always giving birth out of its own ashes.
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602[–]kristineroan 10 points 3 years ago 
603Marina!,
604What place do you see the occult having within contemporary art; can magick be made (not simply appropriated/ performed)?
605Thanks, K
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607[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 28 points 3 years ago 
608Everything depends on which context you are doing what you are doing. If you are doing the occult magic in the context of art or in a gallery, then it is the art. If you are doing it in different context, in spiritual circles or private house or on TV shows, it is not art. The intention, the context for what is made, and where it is made defines what art is or not.
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610[–]jjaammeess 6 points 3 years ago 
611What does it mean to be a feminist within the art world today? can the nude body be used as something empowering without the idea of the "male gaze"?
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614[–]jas1111 9 points 3 years ago 
615Čestitke na uspješnoj karijeri i sretno sa kickstarterom.
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617[–]Kalliope3 9 points 3 years ago 
618In what ways do you think photography can move beyond only serving as a document of long durational performance art? How might it be conceptually integrated into the process of performance itself? For example, time-lapse photography, etc.?
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620[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 24 points 3 years ago 
621In photography it's not the concept of the piece itself. If the photography is not a part of the concept of the performance, it will stay always documentation.
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624[–]ShoesandCoates 3 points 3 years ago 
625If you could choose your reincarnation for the next life, who/what would you come back as?
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627[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 4 points 3 years ago 
628A sequoia tree. I wouldn't do anything for a long, long time. It lives the longest, has the strongest roots into the ground, and doesn't move.
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630[–]mausx3 3 points 3 years ago 
631When you began performing, was exposing yourself to the public, emotionally and physically, difficult? If so, has it gotten easier over time?
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633[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 3 points 3 years ago 
634I was very timid as a child. But the moment I found that performance was my tool of expression, I was very happy. The moment of the performance, all timidness would leave and the moment it stopped, it would come back. Back then, it would take me a certain amount of time to get into the certain state of consciousness that I need to perform. Now, I get to that state almost instantly.
635permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
636[–]artnotfound 13 points 3 years ago 
637I am a new media artist who often works with social media and technology (examples: http://www.art404.com/world-of-whitecraft & http://www.art404.com/anon-vs-art & http://www.art404.com/node/43 ).
638Your new institute seems to stress the absence of these technologies, is there a place for technology and social media in the Marina Abramovic Institute? Can the internet be spiritual? Can Twitter be a valid medium for performance art?
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640[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 26 points 3 years ago 
641Yes, yes, yes, yes. If you just see one of the rewards on the Kickstarter from Pippin Barr, you can see that computers can be used as a tool for meditation tools. We will definitely have technology chamber in the institute because I think we can't deny technology and its effects on humanity today. Again, context is everything.
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644[–]visualmadness 10 points 3 years ago 
645To what extent had you and David Blaine planned that disembowelling stunt before you decided to scrap the idea?
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647[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 17 points 3 years ago 
648I still like to do it. Maybe in another context, maybe in a different way. It's going to be surprise. But my retrospective was not proper place for this.
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651[–]poiein 8 points 3 years ago 
652Is our consciousness always confined to time and space? Can we ever experience life outside of these two coordinates that usually influence our existence?
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654[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 10 points 3 years ago 
655Of course. There are so many different dimensions and we only use a small percent of brain, but ancient rituals and ceremonies explore these possibilities that we can understand that time doesn't exist, that it is only invention. My understanding is that if you are fully in the present, time does not exist. Time only exists in measuring the past and the future.
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657[–]ccp108 9 points 3 years ago 
658Is this AMA a performance? If so, who is performing and who is experiencing or viewing the work?
659permalinkembedsavegive gold
660[–]EstherHarshom 8 points 3 years ago 
661Where do you draw the line between performance art and your daily life? How do you distinguish between the Marina who's sitting in a museum and the Marina who's buying groceries? Is there a hard shift, or is it the kind of job where you're always performing in one way or another?
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663[–]sw4gist4ni 7 points 3 years ago 
664Hi Marina, Would you ever consider collaborating with Tilda Swinton in the future? Considering you've both explored each others respective fields in the past (Performance Art and Theatre: Your 'The Life and Death of Marina Abramovic', Swinton's 1995 performance work and the recent 'The Maybe'). I think you're both great representatives of each discipline and imagine something very interesting could emerge. Thanks
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666[–][deleted] 3 years ago 
667[deleted]
668[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 20 points 3 years ago 
669The best way to get into performance art is to see as much performance art as possible. Performance art is time-based art, you have to be there and look at it and experience it. You have to have the patience because you also can see many many bad performance art works and give up. But once you see a really good performance work, you will fully understand what it is, and it can change your life. So don't give up. Go until this point.
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671[–]GandalfLundgren 4 points 3 years ago 
672I am a huge fan, and have researched a ton of your performances, and I have to ask, which performance would you say was the most taxing?
673permalinkembedsavegive gold
674[–]missmayes 5 points 3 years ago 
675What performance piece, if any, do you wish you thought of performing during your career that an other artist performed? Was there any performance art piece that you never got to perform?
676p.s. I love you and your work. You are an inspiration.
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678[–]godessceline 8 points 3 years ago 
679Paul Gauguin once said: "I am a great artist and I know it. The reason I am great is because of all the suffering I have done." Many of the greatest artists of our time were sick, troubled, and/or suffered greatly. Some would even go as far as to say that good art needs suffering in order to exist. What role does your own suffering play in your creative process, and do you find you create better when you are emotionally hurting?
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682[–]meowmarcataffi 15 points 3 years ago 
683Why do you need funding through Kickstarter?
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685[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 30 points 3 years ago 
686The idea of institute is an original one -- Kickstarter is a young and original idea of fundraising through social media. I think it is appropriate for institute not to make it elitarian but rather for everyone to found the institute who wants to.
687permalinkembedsaveparentgive gold
688[–]joejeo11 16 points 3 years ago 
689it is explained is on the kickstarter page
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691load more comments (3 replies)
692[–]loribexar 2 points 3 years ago 
693Can you describe the inspiration for the performance piece pertaining to ARTPOP?
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695[–]jaecksonjack 2 points 3 years ago 
696I would love to know, what kind of lesson or wisdom you learned during or after your perfomances. maybe espiacially during the rhythm 0 (1974), in which you tested the limits between the audience and the performer. is there anything, any sentence, any word you could say about it?
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698[–]Pootlover13 2 points 3 years ago 
699Wow had to run to open reddit the minute i saw your Facebook post that you'd be on AMA today! I'm such a huge fan. Your work is such an inspiration to me and time and time again brings me to tears. I'm so sad i never made it to your show at MOMA but at least was happy to enjoy it via your beautifully made film. I'm a photographer but my main career in life is a cantor (Jewish singing clergy person). I love to connect to people's souls by bearing my own and becoming vulnerable to their own pain and by such helping them evolve through music, spoken word, and just silence. Two questions for you: 1. How do you let yourself empty the heaviness and connect each time like you did when sitting across from so many at MOMA in such a short time and still have the authenticity of newness and clarity? 2. Will you please come to Los Angeles and do a showing here of some of your amazing work???? :-) really such an honor to be writing you right now. Wishing you tons of luck and success and joy and love in all you do!
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701[–]saintandre 2 points 3 years ago 
702What has been your experience working with LA MOCA? What was your response to the criticisms of Sara Wookey and Yvonne Rainer about your treatment of collaborating artists?
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704[–]LotNi 2 points 3 years ago 
705Would you still make work if no one saw it?
706permalinkembedsavegive gold
707[–]Writeitdownaz 2 points 3 years ago 
708I find you to be one of the most beautiful people I've ever seen...your work, passion, and striking features are almost too much for me...thank you.
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710[–]ajdz 5 points 3 years ago 
711Hello Marina! My questions to you are: - Who creates limits? - When is your mind completely free?
712Much love from Sweden!
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714[–]buttdial 3 points 3 years ago 
715Do you wear shoes in your home?
716permalinkembedsavegive gold
717[–]fattyboyblue 3 points 3 years ago 
718Do you remember the moment you wanted to become a performance artist? What are your ultimate goals in life- separate from your art?
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720[–]killerqueen216 5 points 3 years ago 
721Hi Marina! I think your work is quite spectacular. What can we expect from your upcoming collaboration with Lady Gaga for ARTPOP?
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723[–]yamammiwammi 3 points 3 years ago 
724Hi Marina. Thanks for doing this. You are a true inspiration to me.
725As a Croat, my family comes from very small villages in Europe knowing the farming life. As someone who is born and raised in Canada, my interests and outlook on life have been very different - for instance, my biggest passion is visual art. While growing up I've tried to explain this passion to my parents, but they seem to not understand and disagree - to them, a successful life is determinant on money and fiscal success rather than passion or interests. As a result, I've kinda been pushed along the STEM route, and am now entering graduate school for astrobiology... as exciting as it is, (and I do enjoy it) I'm always drawn back to the art world and yearn to become assimilated into art culture and practice (something I try to do in my spare time).
726My question is what advice or words do you have for students (or anyone, really) that want to dedicate their lives to art? In today's society, I think there is huge preference for STEM courses and careers, and there is so much stigma with arts-based education. What do you have to say about that?
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728[–]arturbenchimol 3 points 3 years ago 
729What was the most interesting feeling you had while sitting silently in front of a stranger in your work "The Artist Is Present"?
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731[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 12 points 3 years ago 
732The most interesting feeling was that I was overwhelmed by unconditional love for every person sitting in the front of me. It was so strong and so surprising, took me by surprise.
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735[–]pliselonpli 2 points 3 years ago 
736I've always found (contemporary/unpremiered) music to have parallels to performance art, with a few major differences— you mentioned one once in discussing a hierarchy of art, saying that music passes directly through the body of the observer, making it the most direct. My concern as an artist is a second: as a creator in performance art, you largely creates experiences that you will perform yourself. As a creator in contemporary music, especially music preoccupied equally with the challenges of the performance than the overall sound, one loses that direct control but exerts control on another performer.
737Can you speak to this difference in creating experiences for yourself vs. others? How did this dynamic affect you when reliving the works during Seven Easy Pieces?
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739[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 7 points 3 years ago 
740The only thing I can say is that there is no work for myself or for others. In performance, the public is the essential part of the work. The performance would be not existing without the public. Public completes the work. And the rest of the question is complicated. It's so many levels. If you simplify next time I will be ready to answer.
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742[–]pliselonpli 2 points 3 years ago 
743To clarify: what I meant was creating a work you perform, vs. a work someone else must perform. How is it different performing a work you create, vs. performing a piece someone else created (are you a medium to recreate the event, or is it something else?)
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746[–]TheCyanKnight 4 points 3 years ago 
747How do you think internet has influenced art?
748Has it become harder to do/make something unique?
749Is it important for an artist to be unique? Will there be a public for long durational performance when we're all Mtv/Internet generation?
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751[–]sisutude 5 points 3 years ago 
752I sat across from you at MOMA, but you did not recognize me. Why not? In the days and weeks before I sat with you, I had sat somewhere else for hours, in an office in the Lower East Side, typing the sounds I heard from headphones, they were the sounds of your voice. You spoke of your life and of your work. I was transcribing your words for a documentary. I could hear you, but I could not see you. Then I went to sit with you at MOMA, and I could see you, but you were perfectly silent. I could see you, but I could not hear you. Why did you not recognize me?
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754[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 22 points 3 years ago 
755I don't know where I was in that moment. Did I talk to you? Did we look each other in the eyes long time? I sit with more than a thousand people and mostly which I perceived was that moment and that energy. If that energy changed in enormous circumstances, that's maybe the reason that I did not identify. But it is nothing personal, I'm so sorry.
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757[–]sisutude 6 points 3 years ago 
758I was not offended, just surprised. I did not sit for very long. It seemed like you were away. And in some pain. Thank you for all that you do. The Artist is Present was my introduction to performance art. I was very inspired by the energy in the space, by the people who surrounded and watched you every day. You gave an incredible gift to us.
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760[–]buck_mcqueen 11 points 3 years ago 
761What?
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763[–]hearing_aid_bot 15 points 3 years ago 
764Ahem.
765I SAT ACROSS FROM YOU AT MOMA, BUT YOU DID NOT RECOGNIZE ME. WHY NOT? IN THE DAYS AND WEEKS BEFORE I SAT WITH YOU, I HAD SAT SOMEWHERE ELSE FOR HOURS, IN AN OFFICE IN THE LOWER EAST SIDE, TYPING THE SOUNDS I HEARD FROM HEADPHONES, THEY WERE THE SOUNDS OF YOUR VOICE. YOU SPOKE OF YOUR LIFE AND OF YOUR WORK. I WAS TRANSCRIBING YOUR WORDS FOR A DOCUMENTARY. I COULD HEAR YOU, BUT I COULD NOT SEE YOU. THEN I WENT TO SIT WITH YOU AT MOMA, AND I COULD SEE YOU, BUT YOU WERE PERFECTLY SILENT. I COULD SEE YOU, BUT I COULD NOT HEAR YOU. WHY DID YOU NOT RECOGNIZE ME?
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767[–]vh1230 10 points 3 years ago 
768Why does a wealthy artist, who sold her loft of $3.2M last year, need 600K from fans just to pay one of the world's best known architects to sketch up an idea for her personal project?
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770[–]grant0 63 points 3 years ago 
771Have you read the Kickstarter page which discusses exactly this?
772In total, $20 million is needed to complete renovations of the institute and begin operations. Marina has paid for phase zero of this development process. She purchased the building at 620 Columbia Street in Hudson, New York for $950,000. She funded the budget of the MAI office for six months and commissioned the architectural concept. In total, Marina has paid $1.5 million out of pocket towards the early stages of MAI. Now, she hopes you will contribute to phase one.
773Seems legit to me.
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776[–]abramovicinstituteMARINA ABRAMOVIC[S] 123 points 3 years ago 
777The MAI institute is not a personal project. MAI is for everybody. I donate the whole building which I bought on my birthday for $950,000 to the non-profit organization and I don't own it. I also paid another half a million for the master plan of Rem Koolhaas from my own money and the office budget for five months. So this does not belong to me anymore, it belongs to anybody. If this kind of concept is something our society needs, they have to join me to create it.
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