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Marina Abramović is one of the greatest performance artists of all time, having pushed the boundaries of what an artist does, putting herself in extreme and dangerous situations, and making a name for herself beyond the art world too. The veteran Serbian artist, who turns 80 later this year, continues apace with a packed exhibition schedule, from Seven Deaths at Cisternerne, a former underground water reservoir in Copenhagen, to Transforming Energy in the hallowed halls of the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice. To help you get to grips with her life and career, the curator of her Accademia show, Shai Baitel, has selected five key books on the artist.
Walk Through Walls: A Memoir (2016) by Marina Abramović
“Marina Abramović recollects parts of her life in a vivid retelling of some of her most important moments. This is crucial reading for gaining insight to her artistic processes and the evolution of her philosophy and practice as a performance artist. Intimate biographical details within this memoir add nuance to understanding Abramović both as an artist and cultural figure.”
Marina Abramović: A Visual Biography (2023) by Katya Tylevich and Marina Abramović
“The process of generating this book was much like one of Abramović’s long durational performances. The publication is the result of an intense 17-month interview process by Abramović’s friend, the writer Katya Tylevich. This book offers another perspective of Abramović’s life and trajectory but through the eyes of someone from her inner circle.”
When Marina Abramović Dies: A Biography (2010) by James Westcott
“Another striking portrait of the artist with intimate interviews and access to her personal archive. James Westcott brings his own critical eye to the materials, contextualising her life, work and reception. His writing on her formative early years in Yugoslavia is particularly salient for understanding the trajectory of her work.”
Abramović-isms (2024), edited by Larry Warsh
“Essential reading for meditating on some of her more succinct aphorisms. Abramović-isms is a collection of quotes that can be dipped in and out of when in need of inspiration, courage or hope. Taken as a whole, they provide lyrical texture to her artistic practice.”
Marina Abramović (2023) catalogue, contributors include Karen Archey, Adrian Heathfield, Svetlana Racanović, Andrea Tarsia and Devin Zuber
“After being the first living woman to have a solo show at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, the accompanying catalogue became the quintessential guide to her oeuvre, covering her career of over 50 years in great detail. Comprehensive essays and good historicisation provide academic depth to Abramović, useful for any curator, academic, or civilian art aficionado.”
• Transforming Energy, Gallerie dell’Accademia, Venice, until 18 October
• Marina Abramović: Seven Deaths, Cisternerne, Copenhagen, until 30 November