Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) recently held a lecture featuring performance artist Marina Abromović alongside OMA principle Shohei Shigematsu in the anticipation of the Marina Abromović Institute for the Preservation of Performing Art (MAI) 2014 opening. In the lecture, Shigematsu speaks about the process in which they transformed a former theater in Hudson, New York, into a structure that's capable of assisting the institute's mission to develop new kinds of performance, while functioning as a space for preserving and hosting historic performance pieces. Shigematsu references OMA’s history of designing spaces that combine architecture and art, such as the Quebec National Museum and a recent collaboration with Kanye West.
More on this discussion after the break...
In addition, Abromović expands on the MAI project and the importance of preparation, or the "Abromović method." She believes that it is critical for the audience to have proper spaces to prepare before actually witnessing performance art, especially when it is a long-durational piece. Not to mention, Abromović has audience members complete a contract saying that they will stay the entire duration of the performance. Therefore, if the audience gives Abromović their word of honor, she vows to give them the experience.
To learn more about the collaboration between Abromović and OMA, as well as the design of MAI, check out the full lecture above!
