Marina Abramovic Rhythm 0 [top]

1974

Performed in at the Galleria Studio Morra in Naples, Italy , Rhythm 0 is one of the most famous and harrowing works of performance art. Marina Abramović stood motionless for six hours (from 8 PM to 2 AM), surrendering her body and autonomy to the audience. The Instructions

: Abramović's radical presence demonstrated that the body is not just a biological vessel but a site of power and endurance. Agency vs. Objecthood marina abramovic rhythm 0

In "Rhythm 0," Abramović invites the audience to use one of 72 objects, ranging from everyday items to more unusual and provocative materials, on her own body in any way they choose. The performance takes place in a gallery setting, where Abramović stands still and passive, while the audience is free to engage with her using the provided objects. 1974 Performed in at the Galleria Studio Morra

Hour 4: The Escalation of Cruelty

5.3 Gender Dynamics

Seventy-five percent of the audience was male. Acts of sexual humiliation (inserting objects, forced spreading of legs) were exclusively performed by men. Female participants were more likely to clean her, cover her with a coat, or intervene verbally. Abramović later stated: “Women knew what it was like to be powerless. Men wanted to see how far they could go.” This aligns with feminist theories of the male gaze turning lethal when unchecked by consequence. Agency vs