Marina Abramovic: Transforming Energy

A monograph on Marina Abramovic’s work with crystals, a part of her practice that is still underexplored.

Marina Abramovic (1946) believes in the power of crystals to store the whole history of the earth and carry and transmit their energy. Thus, crystals are mainly linked to the ‘Transitory Objects’, a series of objects that the artist created to embody energy and trigger physical and mental experiences in the public through direct interaction, several installations, and exhibitions. Inspired by one of Abramovic’s most iconic performances, her walk across the Great Wall in China with German artist Ulay in 1988, and published on the occasion of the comprehensive exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) Shanghai, the book includes unseen images of Abramovic’s walk in Great Wall, along with a series of captivating new artworks especially created for the survey. Edited by Shai Baitel, the Artistic Director of MAM Shanghai, in close collaboration with the artist, the book tells the story of how Marina Abramovic´ discovered and explored the power of stones and crystals, at first, during her performance across the Great Wall with Ulay, and later by visiting mines around Brazil.