In October, a major retrospective by the New-York perfomance artist of Serbian origin, Marina Abramović, opened its doors to public in the Moscow's Garage Center for Contemporary Culture.

      The exhibition is intended to introduce Marina Abramović and her scandalous perfomances to the Russian audience. So it will present five landmark Abramović pieces recreated by live ‘reperformers’. Video and photographic documentation, sound recordings and objects used in the original performances are exhibited alongside.

      At the centre's entrance any visitor can see sign warning that the exhibition is not advised for those under 16 years of age as it incorporates “video with explicit scenes and cruelty, and a performance that features naked people.” The sign is accompanied by Abramović’s giant portrait in a straight jacket. It is not an accidental metaphor, as Marina Abramović used her body as a main art object and a proving ground at the same time. Exploring the limits of her being, she has withstood pain, exhaustion and danger in the quest for emotional and spiritual transformation.

      Marina Abramovich is famous for her long-run experiments, which demanded of stamina. She thinks that only such actions can change both the artist and spectator. 

      Within the framework of the retrospective, Abramović will present a new performance installation entitled Measuring the Magic of Mutual Gaze. Garage visitors are invited to participate in an experiment that measures brain activity when seated opposite one another – an exercise that highlights emotional, over physical, interaction.

      Marina Abramović is a laureate of several prestigious awards in the field of art, including "Golden Lion"at the Venice Biennale.

      The retrospective will be on show at Moscow’s Garage Center for Contemporary Culture from 8 October to 4 December 2011. This is the last exhibition to be held at the Garage before it moves to its new address in Moscow’s Gorky Park next summer. 

Sources: Lenta.ru Gazeta.ru Russia Today