Acclaimed artist Abramovic disillusioned with India veering away from heritage, cultural roots

World-renowned performance artist Marina Abramovic has said that India, which is increasingly distancing itself from its own heritage and culture in pursuit of Western values, no longer inspires her.

Artist’s Statement:
Marina Abramović expressed disappointment that India is “distancing itself from its own heritage and culture in pursuit of Western values,” saying the country no longer inspires her.

Event:
She was speaking at a press conference at the Samudrika Convention Centre, Willingdon Island, Kochi, during her visit to deliver a talk on her installations at the Biennale.

Participants:
- Nikhil Chopra, curator of the sixth edition of the Biennale, introduced Abramović.
- Meha Patel, Gold Artist Patron of the Kochi Biennale Foundation, was also present.

Reflections on Practice:
- Abramović emphasized that performance art, once dismissed, is now mainstream, thanks to decades of persistence.
- She highlighted nature as a central teacher in her work, describing it as a source of answers and inspiration.

India Connection:
- Her engagement with India dates back to childhood, influenced by the friendship between Jawaharlal Nehru and Josip Broz Tito.
- She recalled her 1979 visit to Bodh Gaya, which shaped her artistic direction.

Artistic Insights:
- She described performance art as “the presentation of the present moment,” requiring complete commitment.
- Her installation “Waterfall” at the Biennale took five years to complete, inspired by Buddhist philosophy.
- She stressed that nudity in her work is never obscene, but part of the artistic language.

In essence, Abramović is using her Biennale platform to critique India’s cultural trajectory while reaffirming her belief in performance art and nature as guiding forces.