Known as the the biggest exhibition of performance art in the history of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, with more than fifty exhibited works produced within four decades, Marina Abramović's "The Artist is Present" serves as a legacy of performance history and artist expression.
During the exhibition (May 14-May 31, 2010), Abramović performed a new work, which represents "the longest duration of time that she has performed a single solo piece"(MoMA). The artist sat in the atrium of the museum and visitors had the chance to face the legendary performer. The static performance portrays Abramović's desire to push boundaries and provoke the audience. Limiting and staged, on a first level, the performance remains engraved in the visitors mind.
Starring at the unknown and expecting the unexpected are some of the feelings associated with Abramović's new performance. Questions such as: 'What will happen next?'; 'Will something happen?'; 'When will it happen?' arise while looking at the static presence of the artist. The timeless feeling of belonging and the trivial image of a woman sitting on a dining table is juxtaposed with the Victorian dress that she is wearing. The physical presence of the female body suggests an association with a classical painting that came alive. Nevertheless, the isolation of the artist from the wide audience serves as a metaphor of 'the other'. For the bravest members of the audience, crossing the white line and entering the sacred space is both frightening and exciting. The moment when a member of the audience crosses the line, he/she becomes part of the spectacle.
If you need to learn more about Abramović and her other works, please visit
Marina Abramović page provides visitors with Abramović's bio, over 90 of her works, exclusive articles, and up-to-date Abramović exhibition listings. The page also includes related artists and categories, allowing viewers to discover various artists. 
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