Freeing the Voice 1975

Editor: We’re looking at Marina Abramović's "Freeing the Voice" from 1975, a performance piece captured in black and white photography, currently housed at MoMA. I find the image quite jarring—the figure's pose seems to embody some kind of pain or intense expression. What do you see in this work, and what’s going on? Curator: Well, darling, that jarring feeling is precisely the point, isn't it? Abramović, a pioneer of performance art, often pushes the boundaries of physical and mental endurance. Here, I see a raw, unfiltered exploration of the human voice – think of it as a scream bottled up for too long finally unleashed! What happens when you push your vocal cords to their absolute limit? Do you discover power, pain, freedom, or madness? It feels almost primal, don't you think? What does that open mouth suggest to you? Editor: Yes, I see the primal element now. There is something almost violent in its vulnerability; perhaps in exposing our voice so directly we give a bit of ourselves away. Like she’s battling something internal. But how much control does she really have at this extreme of expression? Curator: Ah, that's the magic, isn't it? The dance between control and abandon. Abramović deliberately relinquishes some control to tap into a deeper, perhaps subconscious, well of emotion. Do you feel a sliver of horror when looking at this picture? Editor: Absolutely. It makes you wonder about your limits – makes you ask yourself if you have ever stretched those to the maximum. This work makes me reconsider the concept of vocal expression, going beyond simple communication. Curator: Exactly. It makes sound visceral. Maybe what we should take away from this work is an insight into how humans perform for each other, and the cost to them. I feel strangely empowered just by looking, it might give us permission to have a conversation without filter... or boundaries... it really makes one ponder.