Shanghai, China, [31 July 2024] - This October, the Modern Art Museum (MAM) Shanghai will unveil "Marina Abramović: Transforming Energy," the first-ever museum exhibition in China by the internationally acclaimed artist Marina Abramović. Running from October 10, 2024, to February 28, 2025, this eagerly awaited event promises to offer a profound exploration of Abramović's illustrious career and her innovative new works.
Marina Abramović Great Wall Walk, China
Marina on the Wall, 1988
Courtesy of the Artist
The exhibition is deeply inspired by Abramović's historic 1988 walk across the Great Wall of China with German artist Ulay. This monumental journey, which saw the duo become the first international artists to traverse the Wall, serves as the exhibition's foundation. Curated by Shai Baitel, Artistic Director of MAM Shanghai, in close collaboration with Abramović, "Transforming Energy" will feature over 1,000 images from the Great Wall walk, along with captivating new artworks created specifically for this show.
"Nearly 40 years after Ulay and I walked 2,500 kilometers to meet in the middle of the Great Wall of China, I am looking forward to opening 'Transforming Energy' at the Modern Art Museum (MAM) Shanghai," Abramović shared. "This exhibition, a result of that experience, includes a new body of work and embodies my deep connection with China."
The exhibition will unfold across three floors of MAM Shanghai, each offering a distinct perspective on Abramović's artistic journey. The introductory floor provides a biographical glimpse into her upbringing and past engagements with China, including the iconic Great Wall Walk. Abramović's admiration for Chinese culture, people, and landscapes is evident in her reflections on the Great Wall walk. "I fell in love with China. I fell in love with the people, the culture, the landscapes, and the incredible diversity we encountered along the way," she shared. This cultural connection and her personal transformation through the walk underscore the significance of her return to China with this exhibition.
The second floor showcases early participatory art, focusing on bodily positioning and the transformative power of crystals. Central to "Transforming Energy" are artworks and objects that actively engage the audience, inviting their participation. Infused with crystals sourced from places like Brazil, these pieces serve as a medium for both the artist and visitors to experience transformative energy. "Each crystal has different properties, and it's really up to the audience to discover them by being present. Doing nothing is the beginning of something." Abramović's renowned Transitory Objects, meticulously crafted over the years, will also be on display, offering a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of her artistic practice.
The third floor presents entirely new participatory works, emphasizing Abramović's enduring performance art methodology. Reflecting on her extensive studies in various cultures, including Zen Buddhism and shamanism, Abramović highlighted the importance of understanding and controlling the body and mind. This knowledge is crucial for her performance art, enabling her to push the limits and explore new artistic frontiers.
"Marina Abramović: Transforming Energy" at MAM Shanghai invites audiences to deeply engage with the artist's visionary world and explore the profound connections between energy, transformation, and human experience. This exhibition is an invitation to pause, reflect, and embrace the transformative power of art.
Marina Abramović,
Copper Bed for Human Use, 2012, copper, quartz stones, 210 x 200 x 70 cm, unique,
Photography by Fabrizio Vatieri,
Courtesy Sean Kelly Gallery
Exhibition Details
Marina Abramović: Transforming Energy
Venue | Modern Art Museum (MAM) Shanghai, 4777 Binjiang Avenue Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Dates | 10 October 2024 – 28 February 2025
Visit | https://www.mamsh.art/
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