The Artist is Present: Response

I really enjoyed this movie. I’m already a fan of Marina Abromovic’s work but I think this movie helped me respect her more. I knew nothing about her personal life before this movie. I judged her based strictly on her early work. The movie showed her strengths and just how far she would go for her artwork. I didn’t expect her and Ulay to give so much information and be as open as they were. This was my favorite part of the movie because I felt like in that moment she and Ulay were only human like the rest of us. I even shed a tear when they reached their hands across the table to grab the others at the MoMA performance. That was beautiful. I also love how honest Ulay was honest when he just said how lazy he was. Marina has a stronger desire and drive to perform and that is why she is a different state then Ulay right now.

I do wonder where she would be right now if her and Ulay were still together, probably not the artist we know her as today. I think all things happen for a reason and the breakup with Ulay may have been painful but it seemed like the birth of a new artist.

I like Marina how she is now more than when she did her earlier work because she has been hurt and went through struggle. I love to see a person when they are vulnerable it just makes them that more real and likable to me. Knowing all of this just makes me enjoy her work that much more. I feel like she will keep working until she dies. I don’t see her giving performing a break because of her age. I think she will perform and work even harder. She was in her 60’s when she did “The Artist is Present“ I think it’s pretty amazing as to how someone her age could handle the performance the way she did. The connection she had with her audience amazes me! The tears during the performance were beautiful.

This movie just helped me have that much more respect for her. I get really tired of just seeing artist work after work without having any history of them; it makes me feel like the work is less desirable. I also have a lot of respect for Yoko Ono as well because I find her personal life fascinating. I’m really big on learning about a person’s history and I enjoy the way Marina was so open about giving hers. This movie not only gives me a bigger respect for her, but for performance art as well.

Even after finishing the movie I decided to do more research and I thought it was cool hat she is working with Lady Gaga on her latest album “Artpop.” What other person in their 60’s would be working with Gaga?!? That’s just awesome. I think both of them are crazy and make amazing work, I like crazy. She looks amazing for her age. Much respect.