Marina Abramović

Exhibition — Mar 16 until Jul 14, 2024

Immerse yourself in the world of the legendary Marina Abramović, in the largest retrospective of her work ever held in the Netherlands! Over 60 key works spanning five decades trace the development of the prolific oeuvre of the pioneer of performance art: from her early work, created in former Yugoslavia and in Amsterdam, to the pioneering performances with her partner Ulay and works from her solo practice, in which she is still active today.

This exhibition has ended.

photo of the performance house with an ocean view

Photos, videos, sculptures, and iconic performances

The survey features photos, videos, sculptures, and live reperformances of four iconic performances that will be staged in the Netherlands for the first time: Art Must Be Beautiful, Artist Must Be Beautiful (1975), Imponderabilia (work with Ulay) (1977), Luminosity (1997) and The House with the Ocean View (2002). As a visitor, you are invited to take part in two performances: Work Relation (work with Ulay) (1978) and Counting the Rice from the Abramović Method.

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There are so many different forms of art, performance is one of the most difficult, the most immaterial, and the most real.

— Marina Abramović

Mental and physical boundaries

Marina Abramović has been a prominent figure in performance and body art since the 1970s and is considered one of the most important founders of this art form. She brought performance art from its experimental beginnings into the mainstream. Using her body as her medium, Abramović consistently tests her mental and physical endurance. Together with artist Ulay, whom she met in Amsterdam in 1975 and became her partner, she caused an international sensation with long-durational performances that pushed their boundaries to the limit. In her later solo work, she focuses on spirituality and creating an exchange of energy between herself and the audience.

Marina Abramović, 'Four Crosses: The Good (positive)', 2019 (detail). Courtesy of the Marina Abramović Archives. © Marina Abramović
Marina Abramović, 'The Artist is Present', 2010. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Courtesy of the Marina Abramović Archives. © Marina Abramović. Photo: Marco Anelli
Marina Abramović, 'The Hero', 2001. Courtesy of the Marina Abramović Archives. © Marina Abramović
Marina Abramović, 'The Current', 2017. Courtesy of the Marina Abramović Archives. © Marina Abramović
Ulay / Marina Abramović, 'Imponderabilia', 1977. Galleria Communale d’Arte Moderna, Bologna. Courtesy of the Marina Abramović Archives. © Ulay / Marina Abramović
Marina Abramović, 'Nude with Skeleton', 2005. Courtesy of the Marina Abramović Archives. © Marina Abramović
Marina Abramović, 'Rhythm 0', 1974. Courtesy of the Marina Abramović Archives. © Marina Abramović. Photo: Donatelli Sbarra
Marina Abramović, 'Balkan Baroque', June 1997. Courtesy of the Marina Abramović Archives. © Marina Abramović

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PERFORMANCES

Performances are staged daily between 10.30 am – 5 pm. They will be reperformed at different times, by performers trained in the Abramović Method. Please note that the live performances can be both intimate and confrontational.

The performance Counting the Rice, in the entrance area, is continuous and you are welcome to partake in it yourself. In case you wish to experience performances in the galleries, we advise you to stay for a minimum of 1,5 hrs. A schedule will not be announced.

Are you hesitant to participate in Imponderabilia? No need! Whatever your body may be—small, large, less mobile or supported by a wheelchair—this work is also for you. The performers are happy to make room for you. Feel free to let the gallery assistant know that you would like to participate.

The House with the Ocean View

The reperformance of The House with the Ocean View will take place from 5 through 16 June.

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Special thanks to the performers: Aleksej Ovsiannikov, Antti Uimonen, Asia Deinekina, Catarina Paiva, Claudio Murabito, Dayna Martinez Morales, Edward Lloyd, Emma Hanekroot, Emma Bogerd, Eva van Drimmelen, Goda Žukauskaitė, Jana Jacuka, Jill Kupers, Luqui Lagomarsino, Maria Pisiou, Martijn Schrier, Melyn Chow, Merette van Hijfte, Michelle Samba, Mike Phillips-Gomez, Pleuni Veen, Polina Skarha, Reza Mirabi, Robin Nimanong, Suzan van Dijk, Wenzhu Song, Zoë Schollée.

Mar 16 until Jul 14, 2024

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Practical information

For the Marina Abramović exhibition, an additional charge of €10 applies, except for visitors under 19 years, Friends of the Stedelijk, Stedelijk VIP, Stedelijk annual card holders, and more (click here for all info). This surcharge will only have to be paid once and doesn't apply to a repeated visit.
FAQ

Now is a great time to become Friend of the Stedelijk. Friends of the Stedelijk do not have to book a start time or pay a surcharge. So for two people, you pay only €75 for an entire year instead of €110 for two visits. And there are many more great benefits.
Become a friend

Marina Abramović's work can make a lot of impact. Do you feel the need to talk to someone about this? You can do so free of charge and anonymously at MIND, the national helpline for mental health. You can call Monday through Friday between 9 am and 9 pm via 0900-1450. You can chat via the website wijzijnmind.nl.

Credits

Image 1: Marina Abramović, Four Crosses: The Evil (positive), 2019 (detail). Courtesy of the Marina Abramović Archives. © Marina Abramović
Image 2: Marina Abramović, The House with the Ocean View, 2002. Sean Kelly Gallery, New York. Courtesy of the Marina Abramović Archives. © Marina Abramović. Photo: Attilio Maranzano

The exhibition Marina Abramović is organized by the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and the Royal Academy of Arts, London. The exhibition is curated by Karen Archey and Nina Folkersma at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, and Andrea Tarsia at the Royal Academy of Arts, London.

The exhibition is generously supported by Art Mentor Foundation Lucerne, the Blockbusterfonds, the benefactors of the Marina Abramović Circle, Fonds 21, the benefactors of the Stedelijk Museum Fonds and the Mondriaan Fund.