Marina Abramović To Revive ‘The Artist Is Present’ To Benefit People Of Ukraine

Photo 159075138 © Malivoja | Dreamstime.com

The Artist is Present in solidarity with those whose lives have been deeply affected by the Russian invasion. To raise funds for the people of Ukraine, Marina Abramovic will restage her iconic work from 2010 as part of a benefit auction, inviting the public to once again reach into her soul by sitting silently with her.

“I really hurt,” the 75-year-old performance artist told W Magazine. “It hurts so much because war hurts in general.” The conflict may have devastated observers worldwide, but having grown up in a country influenced by the cultures of both the West and Russia, Abramovic is particularly heartbroken by recent headlines.

“Over past few years, I worked in Ukraine and got to know the people there. They’re proud, they’re strong, and they’re dignified,” Abramovic shared in a message of solidarity published by the Art Newspaper. “An attack on Ukraine is an attack on all of us. It’s an attack on humanity and has to be stopped.”

The artist has teamed up with auctioneer Artsy and the Sean Kelly Gallery to bring back The Artist is Present, reopening the chance to be a part of the experience in New York City to two groups—the first for an individual and the other for a pair. Bids will stay open through March 25.

All funds raised will go to Direct Relief, a nonprofit that is working closely with the Ministry of Health in Ukraine and other volunteers on the ground to provide medical assistance to those in need. According to Hyperallergic, bids for both opportunities have exceeded their US$10,000 and US$15,000 reserve prices.

The performance art will once again be documented by Marco Anelli, the same photographer who captured the nearly 1,500 participants in the 2010 version.

[via Hyperallergic, W Magazine, Artnews, cover photo 159075138 © Malivoja | Dreamstime.com]