Five essential books on Marina Abramović, curated by Shai Baitel

As Marina Abramović approaches her 80th birthday, curator Shai Baitel has selected five key books that illuminate the life and work of the pioneering Serbian performance artist. The recommendations accompany two major exhibitions: 'Transforming Energy' at the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice (until 18 October) and 'Seven Deaths' at Cisternerne in Copenhagen (until 30 November). The list includes Abramović's own memoir 'Walk Through Walls' (2016), which offers intimate biographical details and insight into her artistic processes. 'Marina Abramović: A Visual Biography' (2023), co-authored with friend Katya Tylevich, emerged from a 17-month interview process and provides an insider perspective. James Westcott's 'When Marina Abramović Dies: A Biography' (2010) draws on intimate interviews and personal archive access, with particular focus on her formative years in Yugoslavia. 'Abramović-isms' (2024), edited by Larry Warsh, collects the artist's aphorisms for inspiration. The catalogue 'Marina Abramović' (2023), with contributions from Karen Archey, Adrian Heathfield, Svetlana Racanović, Andrea Tarsia, and Devin Zuber, accompanied her historic solo show at the Royal Academy of Arts in London—the first for a living woman—and covers over 50 years of her career.