Marina Abramović (born 1946); Balkan Erotic Epic: Women Massaging Breasts;

Marina Abramović (born 1946) Balkan Erotic Epic: Women Massaging Breasts, 2005 Chromogenic print; flush-mounted, a La Fabrica Galeria label on the reverse, framed; accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, signed and dated in ink; this work is Artist's Proof 2 of 2 from an edition of 7 plus 2 Artist's Proofs. 66 3/4 x 66 3/4 in. (169.5 x 169.5 cm.) Footnotes: Provenance La Fábrica Galeria, Madrid Acquired from the above by the present owner Literature Marina Abramović, Balkan Epic (Milan, 2006), n.p. (variants) Marina Abramović, The Artist is Present (New York, 2010), p. 19, 27, 178 (variants) Note Between 1997 and 2005, artist Marina Abramović returned to her war-torn homeland in Serbia and Montenegro to conduct a series of video installations and performances entitled Balkan Erotic Epic, in which she explored the use of sexuality in Balkan folklore and pagan rituals. In her research, Abramović discovered that Balkan peasants often incorporated overt sexuality into their fertility and agricultural rites. Inspired by erotic folk poetry, this image—a video still from the same project—captures women in Serbian folk dress massaging their breasts as they gaze upward at the sky. The act on display is just one from a larger performance in which the women congregate in an open field while exposing their genitalia as it rains. While Abramović's performance and resultant photographs are often interpreted through a feminist lens, they can also be understood as guidance for political stability in the region. By asking viewers to consider universal themes, such as communal sexuality and shared cultural heritage, Abramović presents a path to peace and mutual understanding in her homeland. Large-format prints from this series are rare to market. At the time of this writing, it is believed that only three other examples have been offered at auction. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: W W If the lot is not picked up immediately following the auction it may be removed to an offsite storage location for collection. Please contact the salesroom location for further details including dates of removal and applicable charges. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing