When Marina Abramovic Dies, by James Westcott
"Since she conceived of her first performance in 1969, Marina Abramovic has been a prime mover in the development of what became known as performance art, a source of its invention like none other, a force.
"What fuels that dynamism and has shaped its uses and defined its far-reaching impact is the subject of James Westcott's portrait of the artist and account of her work... Exceptionally candid and articulate in conversation -- the artist's voice echoes throughout this book -- and performances, Abramovic; is a public mystery, a contemporary Sphinx.
"Rather than destroy that mystery, Westcott deepens it. Rather than contain her art, he opens it up."
-- Robert Storr, Dean, School of Art, Yale University
Abramovic is probably the world’s most well-known performance artists today. But when it comes to her biography, it is nothing less than a PAGE TURNER. Her love life, her family, her career— it's right up there with Elizabeth Taylor in drama, lust, loss, and fortunes gained and spent.
Abramovic grew up in communist Yugoslavia, the child of party elites. Her rebellion, escape, and exploration of the world outside make for fascinating listening--and fertile ground for speculation into the motives of her art.
Here she is talking about her performance "The Artist is Present" at the MOMA, legacy, and what it means for performance art pieces if the artist dies.
Biographer James Westcott keeps the listener engaged and is particularly skilled at describing Abramovic's works. The timing, risk, and immediacy of her performances are palpable.
Narrated with impeccable timing by Kathleen Gati.
--Susie Bright and Willow Pennell
