High Performance Art
Robb Report Singapore|February 2020
Andrew Leci discovers that the much-maligned medium can be absolute torture. For both the artist and the viewer.
High Performance Art

Performance art is Marmite. It polarises opinions. You either love it or you hate it, and there are few who fall in the middle ground. To some it is pretentious claptrap. To others it is innovative genius; potentially life-changing for protagonist and observer alike.

The scene is Studio Morra in Naples, Italy. The year is 1974. Performance artist, Marina Abramović, has placed 72 objects on a table in an open space, and then stood in the middle of that space, inviting members of the audience to do whatever they wanted. With the objects; and with her.

“What is the public about?” Abramovic wanted to ask, and “what are they going to do in this kind of situation?”

Objects included honey, bread, grapes; a rose, a feather, scissors; a scalpel, a metal bar, nails and a gun loaded with one bullet. What was going to happen? What was meant to happen? No one knew.

The six-hour performance art piece began innocuously enough – a member of the audience fed her a grape, while another daubed her with some perfume. Someone tickled her with the feather, and another person gave her a gentle kiss.

And then, things went horribly wrong/right, depending on the motivation and, indeed, the purpose of the exercise. The scissors were used to remove much of Abramovi’s clothing, and one individual used the scalpel to slit her throat and drink her blood. At one point, an audience member put the gun to her head.

Bu hikaye Robb Report Singapore dergisinin February 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Robb Report Singapore dergisinin February 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

ROBB REPORT SINGAPORE DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Uniquely Martell
Robb Report Singapore

Uniquely Martell

The French house launches Les Fûts Uniques de Martell, the world's first cognac cask programme.

time-read
2 dak  |
December 2024
Opulent Waters
Robb Report Singapore

Opulent Waters

Embark on first-class cruises with Silversea, which has opened sales for its 2026 voyages.

time-read
2 dak  |
December 2024
Palatial Presents
Robb Report Singapore

Palatial Presents

From royal gifts to bespoke objets d'art, Singapore's Royal Insignia is reviving the art of gifting.

time-read
2 dak  |
December 2024
Back To The Land
Robb Report Singapore

Back To The Land

Growing up in Beirut, Lina Ghotmeh pursued architecture as a means of building community in times of conflict. Her mission is more relevant today than ever.

time-read
6 dak  |
December 2024
Care To Join?
Robb Report Singapore

Care To Join?

Private clubs are proliferating. But keeping members happy might not be as easy as it seems.

time-read
10+ dak  |
December 2024
The Vanity Table
Robb Report Singapore

The Vanity Table

The latest grooming products to know.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Rekindle The Flames
Robb Report Singapore

Rekindle The Flames

Byredo's Ancient Sand candle ignites the holiday spirit within.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Off To The Races
Robb Report Singapore

Off To The Races

Chanel leans into its sportswear roots with high jewellery inspired by the thrill of automotive competition.

time-read
2 dak  |
December 2024
What Time Is It At Home?
Robb Report Singapore

What Time Is It At Home?

Stay on top of your affairs when you are halfway across the world with these trusty and intelligent multi-time zone watches.

time-read
3 dak  |
December 2024
Track Records
Robb Report Singapore

Track Records

Brice Tchaplyguine, managing director of TAG Heuer Asia Pacific, dispenses insights on the iconic watch company at the opening of the brand's new boutique in Singapore.

time-read
2 dak  |
December 2024