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Walk Through Walls

384 pages, 2016

biographies & memoirs

biographies & memoirs

997 books
arts & entertainment

arts & entertainment

401 books
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Description

In 2010, more than 750,000 people stood in line at Marina Abramović’s MoMA retrospective for the chance to sit across from her and communicate with her nonverbally in an unprecedented durational performance that lasted more than 700 hours.

This celebration of nearly fifty years of groundbreaking performance art demonstrated once again that Marina Abramović is truly a force of nature.

The child of Communist war-hero parents under Tito’s regime in postwar Yugoslavia, she was raised with a relentless work ethic. Even as she was beginning to build an international artistic career, Marina lived at home under her mother’s abusive control, strictly obeying a 10 p.m. curfew.

But nothing could quell her insatiable curiosity, her desire to connect with people, or her distinctly Balkan sense of humor—all of which inform her art and life.

The beating heart of Walk Through Walls is an operatic love story—a twelve-year collaboration with fellow performance artist Ulay, much of which was spent penniless in a van traveling across Europe—a relationship that began to unravel and came to a dramatic end atop the Great Wall of China.

Marina’s story, by turns moving, epic, and dryly funny, informs an incomparable artistic career that involves pushing her body past the limits of fear, pain, exhaustion, and danger in an uncompromising quest for emotional and spiritual transformation.

A remarkable work of performance in its own right, Walk Through Walls is a vivid and powerful rendering of the unparalleled life of an extraordinary artist.

Embrace Vulnerability

In Walk Through Walls, Marina Abramović shows us the power of embracing vulnerability. She shares her own experiences of pain, fear, and rejection, encouraging us to face our own fears and insecurities. By doing so, we can find strength and resilience.

Art as a Form of Healing

Marina Abramović uses her art as a form of healing, transforming her personal traumas into powerful performances. This book encourages us to explore our own creative outlets as a way to process and overcome personal challenges.

The Power of Presence

One of the key lessons from Walk Through Walls is the importance of being present. Marina Abramović emphasizes the power of living in the moment, fully experiencing each sensation and emotion. This can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our surroundings.

The Importance of Endurance

Marina Abramović's life and art are a testament to the power of endurance. She often pushes her body to its limits in her performances, demonstrating that we are capable of more than we think. This book inspires us to push our own boundaries and persevere in the face of adversity.

Breaking Down Barriers

In Walk Through Walls, we see how Marina Abramović breaks down the barriers between artist and audience, creating a shared experience. This encourages us to look at our own relationships and find ways to connect more deeply with others.

Quotes 5

Marina Abramović's memoir is a fascinating exploration of her life and work, revealing her as a fearless artist and extraordinary woman. It's a book that will inspire and challenge readers.

Deborah LevyDeborah Levy - British Novelist, Playwright

Abramović's life story is a testament to the power of art, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative potential of personal and creative bravery.

Patti SmithPatti Smith - Singer-Songwriter, Poet

Marina Abramović's courage in her work and in her life is contagious. Her story is a powerful reminder that art can change us, and even the world.

Gloria SteinemGloria Steinem - Feminist Activist, Writer

Abramović's memoir is a raw, honest, and beautifully written account of a life devoted to art. It's a testament to her strength, talent, and dedication.

Lena DunhamLena Dunham - Actress, Filmmaker

Marina Abramović's memoir is a powerful and inspiring journey through her life and art. It's a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary art and performance.

James FrancoJames Franco - Actor, Filmmaker
Deborah LevyPatti SmithGloria SteinemLena DunhamJames Franco

Recommendations

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498 books

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