PESARO – Marina Abramovic and the evolution of performance thanks to technologies.
The world-famous artist was in Pesaro and spoke to the public on two occasions: one at Villa Imperiale, then at the Rossini Theatre. A reflection on art and the role of the artist. With a boost to social media.
At Pescheria Abramocic brought a performance in a double dimension: physical and digital. TheLife, the immersive work of Marina Abramović and Tin Drum, constitutes a unique three-dimensional cinematic experience. Each participant is asked to discard and wear any electronic devices an augmented reality viewer, through which to visualize the boundaries of an empty room. At the center of the virtual environment it moves the hologram of the artist Marina Abramović, whose performance can be observed by the audience freely and from any angle. The absence of barriers and screens provides the opportunity to grasp new points of view, living a one-of-a-kind experience together with the artist.
«After 55 years of working with the body I thought about embracing virtual reality – explained Abramovic – The first time I made a mistake because I realized that the body was not part of this experience. So I opted for mixed reality, thanks to which I had the opportunity to create something true and not true. It is my presence even when I am no longer in the land. Being there and not being there, in the game of immortality.”
A concept to which the artist has returned. «Direct contact and energy are important for performance. With The Life I’m like a ghost, but immortal.”
Director Todd Eckert added: “The goal was not to create something flat but a version that was interactive with people.”
Abramovic closed with some criticisms: «Tik tok and Instagram are not art. The future is knowing how to grasp the simplicity of the past. I don’t like artificial intelligence. My whole life is performance.”
