MOMA EXHIBITIONS: Marina Abramović: The Artist Is Present

"We went to see this exhibition this past weekend which confirmed that the human body truly is a beautiful work of art meant to be appreciated as such."

The Museum of Modern Art is currently exhibitiing the career of artist Marina Abramović March 14–May 31, 2010. Over fifty pieces of her work within four decades of her life in photographs, sound pieces, video works, installations, photographs, solo performances, and collaborative performances made with Ulay (Uwe Laysiepen) her long time former lover and partner. The MOMA exhibition includes live re-performances of Abramović’s works using other people portraying her role in past pieces.

On the second floor of MOMA you will see Marina Abramović herself in a live performance installation where she sits in a simple chair, wearing a long robe, quietly staring into the distance with another chair across from her allowing museum visitors to sit and do the same.

The Joan and Preston Robert Tisch Gallery on the sixth floor exhibits a chronological installation of Abramović’s work. The art is provocative and shocking at times, but mostly the art is interpretational. In one video Abramović is seen slamming into a wall continuously and in another you see her cutting a star into her skin. Beautiful models re-create Abramović's past performance pieces. In one installation two live nude models stand facing each other 12 inches apart allowing museum visitors to walk in between them to enter the next room. In another installation an Indian man lies still with a skeleton lying on top of his nude body. In yet another installation a female model balances herself on a bicycle seat erected high on the wall. This is "live" art. The pictures and videos are most impressive also. This exhibition of Marina Abramović truly is a one in a lifetime opportunity since it portrays most of her life's work at one time in one museum.

Today is Museum Day! That means museums everywhere will offer greats deal around the city. The Museum of Modern Art is 50% off today making the entrance only $10. Half-price admission tickets are for tickets purchased online for Wednesday, May 19 only, and can be purchased at www.MoMA.org/tickets

MoMA Target "FREE" Fridays 4:00pm - 8:00pm