Marina Abramović
born 1946 in Belgradelives and works in New York
Considered one of the most progressive artists of our time, Marina Abramovic´ studied fine art in Belgrade and Zagreb before teaching at the Academy of Fine Arts in Novi Sad. At this time Abramovic´ began to focus on the performance genre, choosing the media of video and film. Her preferred themes are physical and spiritual borderline experiences and changed states of consciousness. Inspired by radical body art, her work centres primarily on her own body, which she relentlessly exposes to risks, torture and pain.
In 1975, she met the German artist Ulay (Frank Uwe Laysiepen), who became her partner in work and life until 1988. During this period, Abramovic´ primarily concentrated on themes related to relationships. By utterly identifying with the concept of her performances, Abramovic´ is able to leave all existential and social boundaries behind and venture into experimental extremes in which she, the artist, is transformed into the work of art itself.