The first hour was marked by caution. Audience members gently moved her, turned her around, and placed objects in her hands. However, as time passed and no resistance was offered, behavior escalated. Within three hours, her clothes were cut off with razor blades. Her skin was cut with thorns and a scalpel, drawing blood. An audience member loaded the pistol, placed it in her hand, and forced her finger toward the trigger. A fight broke out among audience members to prevent the gun from being fired.
Abramović stood motionless next to a table containing 72 objects. A simple placard invited the audience to use these items on her body as they wished, stating that she took full responsibility for the duration of the performance. marina abramović performance 1974
Date: September 1974 Location: Student Cultural Center, Belgrade, Yugoslavia The first hour was marked by caution