Marina Abramovic upstages Glastonbury with 7 minutes of silent symphony in striking 'Peace' dress

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Photo: Marina Abramović holds a seven-minute silence at the Pyramid Stage, on the third day of the Glastonbury Festival, at Worthy Farm in Somerset. Credit: Matt Crossick/Empics/Alamy Live News

 

In a remarkable display of artistic prowess, Marina Abramović, the acclaimed Serbian artist, orchestrated a seven-minute silence at the Glastonbury Festival. This unique performance, titled “Seven Minutes of Collective Silence,” was a public intervention aimed at reflecting on conflict and peace.

 

Abramović, known for her intense and thought-provoking performances, led the crowd in this silent contemplation just before PJ Harvey’s set on the Pyramid Stage. The artist’s appearance was announced only a day before the performance, leading to speculation about whether the festival-goers would be able to maintain silence for such an extended period.

 

The artist’s attire for the performance was as symbolic as the act itself. She wore a white dress designed by Riccardo Tisci, who previously helmed Burberry. When Abramović extended her arms, the dress transformed into the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) peace symbol. This visual representation of peace was a poignant reminder of the festival’s long-standing support for the CND.

 

Juxtaposed against the ambient noise from surrounding stages and the occasional interruption from phone notifications, the impact of the performance was described as "strangely moving". Thousands of festival-goers paused their celebrations to contemplate their place in the world. This collective silence, amidst the usual cacophony of a music festival, epitomizes the power of Abramovic’s art.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Abramović’s performance at Glastonbury was not just an artistic expression but also a call to action. She urged the audience to give unconditional love to each other, stating that it is the only way to change the world. This message of love and peace resonated with the audience, making the performance a success.

 

What are your thoughts on Abramović’s performance? Do you believe that such artistic interventions can inspire change? Share your views in the comments below.

 

 

Read more:

• https://news.artnet.com/art-world/marina-abramovic-glastonbury-festival-performance-2505734
• https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/artist-marina-abramovic-silences-glastonbury-crowd-for-seven-minutes-180984638/
• https://stupiddope.com/2024/06/marina-abramovics-silent-intervention-at-glastonbury-festival-2024/
• https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/jun/28/marina-abramovic-glastonbury-festival-seven-minute-silence
• https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/01/style/marina-abramovic-glastonbury-crowd-silence/index.html