I WAS (NOT) PRESENT
An Essay by Franko B inspired by the Marina Abramovic performance, The Artist is Present (2010).
I Was (Not) Present
The artist (as a construct/persona) was present, but the person was not.
Can the artist be present?
And what does performance have to do with it?
Is it performance, or merely spectacle?
Can one teach presence?
Or: how to make a performance?
Preface
It was a Sunday morning in London on an August day in 2013, and I kept thinking about Marina Abramovic’ performance The artist is present. On and off, this event has being following me. Maybe, in my mind there are obvious reasons why.
This work has met a strong media interest (reviews, documentaries, etc.), and after three years it still apparently inspires artists like Jay Z and Lady Gaga. What follows hereunder is my understanding and personal critique of the concept/idea of being present. It is my personal thought regarding the performance, The artist is present, which Marina Abramovic’ originally performed at MOMA (Museum Of Modern Art) in New York in 2010.
… continue to read in Franko B official blog http://franko-b-news.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/i-was-not-present.html?spref=fb&m=1
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