ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Marina Abramović's MoMA Retrospective Turns Audience into Performers

exhibition · 2026-04-23

In 2010, Marina Abramović staged a retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York titled 'The Artist is Present.' The centerpiece of the exhibition involved the artist sitting silently on a chair for hours, inviting visitors to sit opposite her. This durational performance transformed the audience into active participants, blurring the line between viewer and performer. Abramović, a seminal figure in 1970s body art, used this work to explore presence, endurance, and the relational dynamics between artist and public. The retrospective also included historical pieces and reenactments of earlier performances.

Key facts

  • The retrospective took place at MoMA in New York in 2010.
  • The performance 'The Artist is Present' involved Abramović sitting silently on a chair.
  • Visitors were invited to sit opposite the artist, becoming part of the performance.
  • Abramović is a key figure in 1970s body art.
  • The exhibition included historical works and reenactments.

Entities

Artists

  • Marina Abramović

Institutions

  • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Locations

  • New York
  • United States

Sources