Rhythm 0, 1974

Recently, I have just read an interesting article online and I wish to share it with all readers.

This article is about Marina Abramović, an artist, who uses her body primarily for art expressions. Some of her performances are mild, while others are dangerous. One of her more interesting works include Rhythm 0, 1974, which is also my favourite.

In this act, Marina stayed immobile for 6 hours and invited members of the public to interact with her. She would stay unresponsive no matter what was done to her. Sounds okay to you? Wait till you hear the full story. There was a table around her, in which 72 objects laid. These objects included a whip, feather boa, rose with thorns, a gun and a single bullet.

Initially, the public was almost cautious and restrictive with their actions, probably just talking to her and tickling her with the feather boa. However, as the hours lapsed and they noticed that she remained impassive to their actions, the nature of these acts grew more violent and intense. To quote Marina : “What I learned was that... if you leave it up to the audience, they can kill you. I felt really violated: they cut up my clothes, stuck rose thorns in my stomach, one person aimed the gun at my head, and another took it away. It created an aggressive atmosphere. After exactly 6 hours, as planned, I stood up and started walking toward the audience. Everyone ran away, to escape an actual confrontation.”

 I think the above picture depicts how she looked like at the end of the performance. Notice that words were written in marker on her stomach.
 
Wow, sounds unbelievable at how aggressive humans can be? Where's all the love? When given authority, human beings react differently. Love is put aside. Sensibility is gone. Logic is chucked some where. Humans become blinded by the utmost power they have! Wait a minute, doesnt this remind me of Stanley Milgram's study on Obedience? Or perhaps more of Zimbardo's prison study. Eh I forgot Zimbardo's first name.. hahaha. I think I learnt that in my HP101 and HP203 classes. I remembered watching the videos and liking it very much because it amazed me to know how cruel humans can be in different situations. Haha, I dun totally forget what I learnt. Just bits and pieces of Psychology information hidden in my head. I can name a few stuff or terms, but dun ask me to explain in detail! And even if I do remember some stuff, sometimes I cant name them, kind of tip of the tongue phenomenon. I really really love psychology :) minus the stats. I hate statistics, no matter how hard I try to understand them, it's just too hard to absorb. Anyway, I must say she is really daring to go to such extent in order to prove something... I am glad she was not sexually violated. Kudos to her bravery and attitude. But please dun risk your life for the arts!

They ought to replicate this experiment in Singapore... not with the guns and bullets of course. I would be curious to know what the results are... Even if it was me, I cannot be certain that I will treat her humanely. But most probably i wont cuz I am helpful and kind hearted in nature! But then again, perhaps the curiosity to explore her limits and boundaries triumphed the need for humanity. It's scary to think of it. Shudders*         

Photos courtesy of : http://uk.phaidon.com/agenda/art/picture-galleries/2010/march/22/documenting-the-performance-art-of-marina-abramovi-in-pictures/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina_Abramovi%C4%87
andrewfishman.tumblr.com