New Delhi: Marina Abramovic, the renowned performance artist, has been appointed as an ambassador for rebuilding schools in Ukraine by President Zelensky. While this move was aimed at a noble cause, it has ignited a storm of controversy surrounding Abramovic’s past, including accusations of satanism and involvement in conspiracy theories. In this article, we delve into the controversy and explore the artist’s background to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Who is Marina Abramovic?
Marina Abramovic’s journey began with a family deeply involved in political activism. Her parents’ contributions during World War II led to her father working with state security, while her mother became the head of the Museum of Art and the Revolution. Marina herself pursued art studies at prestigious institutions, further shaping her career.
Her career milestones include winning the Golden Lion prize at the Venice Biennale in 1997 and her iconic performance, “The Artist Is Present” at MoMA in 2010, where she sat motionless for hours, creating emotional connections with her audience.
The spirit-cooking controversy
Abramovic gained notoriety for her 1987 performance titled “Spirit Cooking.” In this piece, she presented poetic recipes that appeared to instruct violent acts during the cooking process, using pig’s blood to write them on walls. This controversial performance led to rumors of her involvement in black magic with Aleister Crowley at a dinner event.
However, Abramovic has clarified that “Spirit Cooking” was merely an artistic expression with no actual violence involved. It was later thrust into the political spotlight when WikiLeaks released emails mentioning a dinner related to “Spirit Cooking,” involving high-profile figures like the Podesta brothers.
Conspiracy theories and criticism
Critics and conspiracy theorists have questioned Abramovic’s associations with prominent figures, including the Clintons, Rothschilds, and the Gates. Some online rumors even suggest her involvement in child trafficking, drawing parallels with Jeffrey Epstein. It is essential to note that these claims lack substantial evidence and remain unsubstantiated.
Abramovic’s response
In response to accusations, Marina Abramovic has denied any involvement in satanism. She emphasizes that her work primarily revolves around spirituality and has been misrepresented by misconceptions. She has expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people during their challenging times, even restaging her famous “The Artist Is Present” performance to raise funds for Ukraine.
Marina Abramovic’s appointment as a Ukrainian ambassador has ignited controversy due to her past art performances and alleged associations. While conspiracy theories continue to swirl around her, it is crucial to separate fact from speculation and acknowledge her contributions to the art world and her efforts to support Ukraine in these trying times.
