Marina Abramović. Transforming Energy
Modern Art Museum, Shanghai
From October 10th, 2024 until February 28th, 2025
The work carried out by the Shanghai Modern Art Museum (MAM) revolves around the Chinese term qi, the name given to the concept of the internal energy of the human body. This idea covers all areas subject to any Chinese cultural influence. The exhibition itself becomes an important meeting point between West and East, but also a moment to reflect on the cultural and social contrasts between ancient and traditional values and modern beliefs. This reference to the past begins with the event around which the entire exhibition revolves: one of Abramović’s most iconic performances, the historic walk along the Great Wall of China in 1988, alongside the German artist Ulay. This also marked the end of the artistic relationship and of the relationship between the two, who decided to leave from opposite ends to meet one last time halfway and then say goodbye. A personal and spiritual transformation. A continuous exploration of resistance, the heart of his practice. And it is during this journey that, while staying overnight in the various villages near the Wall, the arista comes into contact with Chinese medicine, with the magical qualities of stones and crystals.
“I am returning to China with great excitement with this exhibition, which is a result of that experience and includes a new body of work.”
The exhibition focuses on the Transitory Objects, famous sculptural objects, works infused with crystals, which serve as a source of transformative energy for both artist and visitor and which have been meticulously researched and realised over the years. Transformations and dynamic, positive energy flows intersect at a new-found equilibrium. Spiritual purification is elevated to unique and fundamental opportunities. The evolution of Marina Abramović’s artistic process is clear to the audience. Her research, apart from being more often than not intangible, is a study that transcends all character, age, gender, culture, nationality and religion. Just like the artist’s desire to realise concepts that can be enjoyed by anyone, the installation transcends any kind of physical, visual or conceptual barrier, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the imagination of the practice. The first floor introduces a biographical look at his upbringing and his past engagement with China, including the work The Great Wall Walk. On the second level, the exhibition consists of examples of works, with a focus on the physical aspect and crystals. Finally, the third step presents completely new participatory works, which tell the enduring nature of the performance art methodology in a simple way. “It is exciting to curate Marina Abramović’s exhibition that presents new transitional objects. We invite the public to immerse themselves and participate,” concludes Shai Baitel, Artistic Director of MAM.
For further information mamsh.art.
