Marina Abramović explores erotic energy and Slavic folklore in major Berlin exhibition

Marina Abramović, renowned for her intense performance art, is presenting a major retrospective at the Gropius Bau in Berlin. The exhibition delves into the body's erotic energy, drawing inspiration from Slavic folklore and her Balkan heritage. Abramović reflects on her childhood struggles with self-image, describing herself as shy, socially awkward, and feeling extremely ugly due to acne and being overweight. The show features works that tap into primal, universal forces, moving beyond her earlier focus on pain and endurance. It includes new pieces that engage with mythological and folk traditions from her native region. The event is part of a promotional offer for Monopol Plus, providing free access to articles for one month. Abramović's career has long centered on physical and psychological limits, but this exhibition shifts toward themes of desire and cultural roots. The Gropius Bau in Berlin hosts this comprehensive survey of her evolving practice.