More about that Marina Abramović/Rem Koolhaas project in Hudson

Marina Abramović Institute for the Preservation of Performance Art in Hudson rendering OMA

The Marina Abramović Institute for the Preservation of Performance Art.

OMA, the architecture firm that includes superstar architect Rem Koolhaas, has posted renderings of the project it's designing in Hudson for performance artist Marina Abramović. From OMA's site, about the Marina Abramović Institute for the Preservation of Performance Art (MAI):

The mission of the MAI is to cultivate new kinds of performance while functioning as a living archive, preserving and hosting performances of historic pieces. Abramovic plans to use the space as a laboratory for exploring time-based and immaterial art - including performance, dance, theater, film, video, opera, and music - through collaboration with practitioners in the realms of science, technology, and education. Working with the local Hudson community as well as schools and institutions from around the world, the MAI will host workshops, public lectures and festivals. As well as training artists, Abramovic also wants to train audiences in the mental and physical disciplines of creating and experiencing long-durational work. ...
The institute will be housed in a former theatre, which later became an indoor tennis court, then an antiques warehouse and market before falling into disrepair. Abramovic bought the theatre in 2007. OMA's design will enhance the existing structure to accommodate both the research and production of performance art. As a venue specifically created for long duration performances, OMA will also develop new types of furniture, lighting and other elements to facilitate the viewing of such works.

There are more renderings and designs on OMA's site (linked above)

The design project is being led by Koolhaas and Shohei Shigematsu, another partner in OMA. Here's a bit more about what Abramović has planned. [Art Info]

The project is expected to cost $15 million and could be open by 2014, though Abramović still has to raise the money. [AP/Washington Post] [WGXC] [NYT]

Earlier on AOA: Rem Koolhaas to design building in Hudson

image: OMA

Comments

I love the concept of the "durational chairs."

From today's T.U. --

"Due to the marathon nature of the works, tired or sleeping visitors reclining on "durational chairs" will be rolled by an attendant to a sleep area and rolled back when they awake..."

If we could only apply that practice to the work place, family gatherings, and other challenging "durational" activities.

Yeah, I still think this project is total b.s. -

$15 million dollars is in no way even close to enough to cover a project of that scale. Also, her proposed model sounds awfully close to that of EMPAC - and I think they struggle enough to get people from this area to walk through their doors.

I can't explain why this project makes me so completely cantankerous - I like experimental performance, I just don't like poorly planned arts organizations. Maybe I secretly fear I will have to apply for a job there someday?

You would think that such a well-respected architect working on a $15mil project would be able to afford some half-decent renderings.

In a recent episode of Art21 Marina talks about her ideas for the space in Hudson. Watch from 35 min. for her complete profile, from 47 mins. just to hear her talk about Hudson: http://www.pbs.org/art21/watch-now/episode-history

I'm really trying to shake my obstinate protest of the idea, but I can't say that this does it..

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