A panel discussion on “Marina Abramović and Chinese Performance Art” – “When Marina Abramović Dies: A Biography” was held at Yuan Art Museum in Beijing. Published by Jincheng Publishing House, the Biography is divided into three parts, firstly her early years in Yugoslavia, then cooperation with her lover Ulay of 13 years, finally the solo experience after breaking up with Ulay, reflecting a comprehensive picture of her artistic life experiences. The author of the book is James Westcott, who has published articles on the art, architecture and the political aspects in the “The Guardian” (UK) and the “The Village Voice” (USA), etc., he has also served as an editor in lots of publications including artreview.com. Checking the files of the artist’s performance art, and interviews of more than 60 people form Abramovich’s family, partners, artists and gallery owners, he accomplished this heavy Biography.

Marina Abramović was born on November 30, 1946 in Belgrade. Serbia is a New York-based Montenegrin performance artist who began her career in the early 1970s. Active for over three decades, she has recently begun to describe herself as the "grandmother of performance art." Abramović's works explore the relationship between performer and the audience, the limits of the body, and the possibilities of the mind.

Selected works include Rhythm 10(1973), Rhythm 5 (1974), Rhythm 2(1974), Rhythm 0(1974), Lips of Thomas (star on stomach, 1975/1997), AAA – AAA (1977/2006), Breathing in / Breathing out (1977), Relation in Time (1977), Imponderabilia (1977, reenacted in 2010) in which two performers, both completely nude, stand in a doorway. The public must squeeze between them in order to pass, and in doing so choose which one of them to face. Art Must Be Beautiful, Artist Must Be Beautiful (1975), Freeing the Body (1975), Role Exchange (1975), Balkan Baroque (1997), The Hero (2001), Rest Energy (1980/2006), Black Dragon Standing (1988/1989), Green Dragon Lying (1988/1989), Chair for Departure (1990), Inner Sky (1991), Chair for Mineral Room (1995), The Lovers (1988), Nude with Skeleton, Count on Us (2003), Self Portrait with Skull, Portrait with Scorpion, Balkan Erotic Epic (2005), Cleaning the House (2005), Carrying the Skeleton (2008), From March 14 to May 31, 2010, the Museum of Modern Art held a major retrospective and performance recreating Abramović's work, the biggest exhibition of performance art in MoMA's history. During the run of the exhibition, Abramović performed "The Artist is Present," a 736-hour and 30-minute static, silent piece, in which she sat immobile in the museum's atrium, while spectators were invited to take turns sitting opposite her. Ulay made a surprise appearance at the opening night of the show.

 Partially translated by Chen Peihua and edited by Sue/CAFA ART INFO