"The starting point for everything I do is my own body and my own mortality."
Marina Abramović's quote highlights her deep introspection and artistic focus. By stating that her starting point is her own body and mortality, she is expressing that her creative work often explores themes of the human condition, life, and death. This perspective encourages her to delve deeply into personal experiences, emotions, and physical limits, as a means to connect with audiences on a profound level. Her art becomes an exploration of the universal truths inherent in the human experience, using her own body and mortality as a powerful tool for self-discovery and artistic expression.
"If you always put a mirror in front of your face while you are performing, it will show you that there is nothing behind your eyes."
This quote suggests that true performance or authenticity comes from tapping into one's inner depth rather than simply relying on outward expressions or appearances. The mirror symbolizes self-reflection, and when one looks into it while performing, the absence of meaningful thoughts or emotions behind their eyes signifies a lack of genuine connection or introspection, indicating that there is still more to explore within oneself for true artistic expression.
"I am not an artist, I am a magician."
Marina Abramović's statement "I am not an artist, I am a magician" suggests that she views her work as more than just creating traditional art; instead, she approaches it as a form of magic - transformative, mysterious, and capable of evoking powerful emotions or experiences in the viewer. In this perspective, she is less a conventional artist who passively creates objects to be admired, but rather an active participant who performs rituals designed to alter perceptions and challenge boundaries, akin to a magician manipulating elements to create wonder and provoke reflection.
"Art is not a mirror held up to reality but a hammer with which to shape it."
Marina Abramović's quote suggests that art doesn't simply reflect or represent reality, but it actively participates in shaping it. In other words, art isn't just about depicting what is, but about influencing and impacting the world we live in. This perspective encourages artists to be proactive in creating change through their work, rather than passively documenting or reflecting on existing realities.
"My work is about the essence of what it means to be a human being."
Marina Abramović's statement implies that her art explores fundamental aspects of human nature, identity, and existence. Through her performances, she delves into the emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions that define our humanity. By pushing boundaries, confronting audience members, and engaging in physically and mentally challenging acts, she invites reflection on what it means to be a human being. In this sense, Abramović's work serves as a mirror for self-discovery and exploration of the complexities and fragilities that define our very essence as humans.
After my performance 'The Artist is Present (2010)' at MoMA in New York, many scientists became interested in why so many people who sat across from me began to cry. I was incredibly moved by this experience also, and was very curious to know what happens in our brains when we spend time not talking, just looking at one another.
- Marina Abromovic
If you're a woman, it's almost impossible to establish a relationship. You're too much for everybody. It's too much. The woman always has to play this role of being fragile and dependent. And if you're not, they're fascinated by you, but only for a little while. And then they want to change you and crush you. And then they leave.
- Marina Abromovic
I change so many houses and places where I live; I change them like I change socks. I don't have this absolute, kind of, how you say, attachment. My brother, if he just has to go to holiday to sleep in different bed, for him it is a disaster. I can sleep under this table or in a five-star hotel; I don't care.
- Marina Abromovic
I don't think anyone does anything from happiness. Happiness is such a good state, it doesn't need to be creative. You're not creative from happiness, you're just happy. You're creative when you're miserable and depressed. You find the key to transform things. Happiness does not need to transform.
- Marina Abromovic
When I taught art, I was always asked, 'How do you know you're an artist? What makes you an artist?' And to me, it's like breathing. You don't question if you breathe; you have to breathe. So if you wake up in the morning, and you have to realize an idea, and there's another idea, and another, maybe you are really an artist.
- Marina Abromovic
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