Eastern traditions emphasise spiritual mindfulness, says Serbian performance artist Marina Abramovic

Renowned Serbian performance artist Marina Abramovic has said that Eastern cultural traditions often emphasise spiritual connection and mindfulnessShe was delivering a lecture on The Past Present and Future of Performance Art at the KochiMuziris Biennale the popular art festival being held here on February 10According to a press release issued by the organisers as part of the lecture Abramovic offered insights into the philosophy discipline and emotional intensity behind one of contemporary arts most provocative formsDrawing from her decadeslong career Abramovic spoke about the cultural contrasts between Eastern and Western artistic traditionsShe noted that Eastern practices often emphasise spiritual connection and mindfulness elements she has incorporated into her own artistic process through meditation and retreatsShe said performance art demands a complete understanding of the body and mind as the artist becomes both the creator and the mediumExplaining her transition from painting to performance art Abramovic recalled the profound connection she experienced during her first live performanceShe has defined performance art as a timebound interaction between artist and audience where the exchange of energy forms the core of the experience Each performance she explained unfolds uniquely within a predetermined space and duration making it both ephemeral and deeply immersiveIn her address she reflected on the essence of artistic identity asserting that true artistry stems from an innate gift rather than formal training aloneWhile education can refine talent she has emphasised that authentic artistic ability must exist naturallyShe illustrated this idea by referencing iconic figures such as Mozart Michelangelo and Frida Kahlo noting how Kahlo continued to create deeply personal art despite severe physical trauma and financial hardship during her lifetimeAbramovic has described artistic dedication as an allconsuming pursuit comparing it to breathingWhile passion defines a good artist she has suggested that truly great artists sacrifice comfort and stability to redefine how society perceives artHighlighting the importance of discovering ones artistic medium early Abramovic has stressed that artists often risk losing their identity when they constantly shift between forms of expressionShe has said each artist must identify the most powerful tool for communicating ideas and emotionsDuring her lecture Abramovic paid special tribute to TaiwaneseAmerican performance artist Tehching Hsieh describing him as a pioneering figure and an artistic icon whose contributions to endurancebased performance art surpassed even her ownShe also highlighted the influence of Australian artist Leigh Bowery whose theatrical bodycentric performances challenged social norms and redefined ideas of identity fashion and spectacleThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever