Marina Abramovic
Performing her 1975 work
Lips of Thomas at the
Guggenheim Museum on
November 14, 2005.
In November 14, 2005, Marina Abramovic had a re-performance of her 1975 body-art action, The Lips of Thomas, at the Guggenheim Museum. Marina Abramovic, who was naked, used a razor blade to cut a five-pointed star on her stomach, and blotted it with a white cloth. She stood and cried with wearing boots and military cap, and then, whipped herself by using a wooden staff. This process went on repetitively and continuously. In order to deliver her intention effectively, which is elevating the spirit and eliminating fear, the artist might have to choose this way of expressing art among many others. However, how the art, which pushes the audience into chaos and makes him or her to endure while observing the work, can be Art itself? The artist might respond it was not intended to provoke or harm the other person, and the body was used just as a tool. Yet, it is hard not to think as a plausible excuse and an abuse of artistic freedom.
Yes, of course, artists are the people who have to be creative, innovative, and free. However, they have to be responsible to the public at the same time. If there is no limit of creation, art’s meaning will become less important and people will question, “What is Art?” Sometimes, it is good to be less than more.
5 comments:
Appreciation of art becomes complicated as our society gets in chaos. As I mentioned in Davy's class, I believe that making and doing art is to satisfy myself mentally. From this aspect, I can understand why she wanted to express her art in this way, which some people are questioning it. But, at the same time, I think artists have always the responsibility of what they have done for his art. For example, this artist might have been blamed and criticized badly from the audience. But, she should accept their responses and take them inside. I think it is really harmful that everyone does not agree with her at all unless she has a strong confidence on her work. The viewers also have the responsibility of how to critique artist's works with reasonable reason as we learn how to critique in our summer studies class. No matter how far art is going, it should be fine if individual person has own definition of art.
This is an idea of how to accept the "shocking" art, not emotionally attractive art for me.
Hi, Yoshie.
Actually, since this work was a performance art, I could not get the real image from the article. After I read your comment, I realized maybe I was too rushed to criticize this art work, like Jeff told us today.
I should search this performance on youtube and see if I can find it. But I am still afraid to see this alone. kkk.
Hi Eun Jung,
I think this one is fine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9-HVwEbdCo
Please watch it when you have time.
Thanks,
Bundith
Also, this one should be fine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOuzzzltSOA&NR=1
Bundith
Thank you, Bundith!!
I watched these videos and enjoyed~.
But you know,
the first one is scary. :)
How can she do that to herself?
I think she is really brave~!
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