Marina Abramović shatters a 255-year-old glass ceiling: A revealing exploration of the journey.

2023-09-20 15:05:03

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Table
  1. Breaking a Glass Ceiling: Marina Abramović Shatters 255-Year-Old Tradition at the Royal Academy
    1. A Long Overdue Milestone
  2. A History of Gender Inequality
  3. Progress and Challenges Ahead
  4. A Trailblazer's Triumph

Breaking a Glass Ceiling: Marina Abramović Shatters 255-Year-Old Tradition at the Royal Academy

Marina Abramović, the renowned performance artist, is set to make history at the prestigious Royal Academy with her first solo show in the academy's 255-year existence. From September 23rd until January 1st, visitors will have the opportunity to experience a retrospective of Abramović's groundbreaking career, which has redefined the boundaries of performance art. Despite her global influence and esteemed reputation, her upcoming exhibition raises the question of why it took so long for a woman to have a solo show in the academy's main galleries.

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A Long Overdue Milestone

In an interview, Abramović expressed her awareness of the significance of her exhibition, stating, "The fact that in 255 years there has been no woman showing solo in this big space makes it a huge responsibility." Reflecting on her experiences as a prominent artist in a male-dominated art world, she emphasized the pressure she feels to pave the way for future generations of talented female artists. Abramović's journey highlights the challenges faced by women artists throughout history and the need for greater gender equality in the art world.

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A History of Gender Inequality

The Royal Academy, founded in 1768, initially included two female academicians, Angelica Kauffman and Mary Moser. However, their mentorship by their fathers underscores the limited opportunities available to women seeking formal artistic training. It took 168 years for Dame Laura Knight to become the first female full member of the RA in 1936. Despite this milestone, Knight's retrospective in 1965 did not take place in the main galleries, highlighting the ongoing marginalization of women artists.

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Imponderabilia by Ulay/Marina Abramović – a 90-minute performance in 1977 at Galleria Communale d’Arte Moderna, Bologna.
Imponderabilia by Ulay/Marina Abramović – a 90-minute performance in 1977 at Galleria Communale d’Arte Moderna, Bologna. Photograph: Courtesy of the Marina Abramović Archives. © Ulay / Marina Abramović

Progress and Challenges Ahead

While progress has been made in recent years, gender equality in the art world remains a pressing issue. The Burns Halperin Report, which examines diversity in the arts, reveals that female-identifying artists accounted for just 11% of acquisitions in US institutions between 2008 and 2020. Their artwork also constituted a mere 3.3% of global auction sales during the same period. Representation of artists of color and other marginalized groups is even more limited.

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The significance of breaking barriers goes beyond the individual artists, as it enriches the artistic landscape for all. Imagine a world without the mesmerizing sculptures of Louise Bourgeois, the raw honesty of Frida Kahlo's self-portraits, or the captivating work of Amélie Beaury-Saurel. When traditional gatekeepers exclude certain demographics or minorities, it hinders the exploration and appreciation of diverse perspectives in art.

A Trailblazer's Triumph

Marina Abramović's achievement is fitting considering the physicality and embodiment central to her artistic practice. Throughout her career, she has overcome adversity, including the challenges of a tyrannical father and being dismissed as mentally unstable. Her resilience and groundbreaking contributions have paved the way for future generations of artists, challenging societal norms and inspiring change.

Furthermore, Abramović's solo exhibition is not an isolated occurrence. Prominent female artists such as Sarah Lucas, Claudette Johnson, and Nicole Eisenman are also showcasing their work independently, marking a positive trajectory towards greater gender equality in the art world. With these milestones, it is hopeful that future generations of artists will not have to wait another 255 years for recognition.


Marina Abramović is at the Royal Academy, London, 23 September-1 January

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