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A review by samdalefox
Walk Through Walls: A Memoir by Marina Abramović
adventurous
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
I read this as an audio book, which Abramović narrates. I loved listening to her slavic accent, however if you struggle to understand English in strong accents, the audio book version may not be for you.
The memoir covers the entirety of her life, from a young child in former Yugoslavia to her most recent life and work in America founding the Marina Abramović Insititute (MIA). The book is long, and felt long, but I didn't mind because I was enjoying the journey and listening to her speak. The last third of the book started to become boring. The narrative is chronological, and Marina talks about her performance works, her romantic relationships (notably Ulay and Paolo Canevari), and her own spiritual journey. She is very interested in mysticism and spirituality, and frequently speaks about its impact on her personal and professional life. She also scatters in many funny slavic fables, jokes, and cultural anecdotes.
As a fan of her work, I found learning about the thought and process behind each piece very interesting. As a person, especially a women, I felt terrible for how the men in her life have treated her. As a working class person with a chip on my shoulder, learning about her origins and her approach to life (e.g., despite communist Yugoslavia, being extremely priviledged with family and education opportunities, plus her seemingly consequence-lite/free life when making her name) envious and very frustrating. I am yet to read a memoir by an artist I admire that has not had enormous priviledge, especially political and social connections. Mostly, Marina acknowledges her priviledge.
Marina is very honest in this memoir and her passion for her work really comes across. Moreover than being informative, she has inspired me to approach my own life in a new way. Her memoir indicates how we could broaden our experiences with the world and intereact with my body and mind in a deeper way.
Quotes
The memoir covers the entirety of her life, from a young child in former Yugoslavia to her most recent life and work in America founding the Marina Abramović Insititute (MIA). The book is long, and felt long, but I didn't mind because I was enjoying the journey and listening to her speak. The last third of the book started to become boring. The narrative is chronological, and Marina talks about her performance works, her romantic relationships (notably Ulay and Paolo Canevari), and her own spiritual journey. She is very interested in mysticism and spirituality, and frequently speaks about its impact on her personal and professional life. She also scatters in many funny slavic fables, jokes, and cultural anecdotes.
As a fan of her work, I found learning about the thought and process behind each piece very interesting. As a person, especially a women, I felt terrible for how the men in her life have treated her. As a working class person with a chip on my shoulder, learning about her origins and her approach to life (e.g., despite communist Yugoslavia, being extremely priviledged with family and education opportunities, plus her seemingly consequence-lite/free life when making her name) envious and very frustrating. I am yet to read a memoir by an artist I admire that has not had enormous priviledge, especially political and social connections. Mostly, Marina acknowledges her priviledge.
Marina is very honest in this memoir and her passion for her work really comes across. Moreover than being informative, she has inspired me to approach my own life in a new way. Her memoir indicates how we could broaden our experiences with the world and intereact with my body and mind in a deeper way.
Quotes
"Art must be disturbing, art must ask questions, art must predict the future. If art is just political it becomes like a newspaper, it can be used once and then the next day it becomes yesterday's news. Only layers of meaning can give long life to art. that way society takes what it needs from the work over time."
"Pain is something like a secret door to another state of consciousness. When you reach the door then another side opens."
"Testing the willingness or unwillingness of the audience to participate."
"I felt strongly how war and violence bring people to spiritual emptiness"
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Self harm, and War