Description of the artwork «Balkanski barok»
The performance "Balkan Baroque" 1997 is dedicated to the victims of the war in Yugoslavia - one of the most powerful, impressive, heartfelt actions of Marina Abramovich.
For six hours the artist in a snow-white dress sat on a pile of bloody cow bones, tried to wash off the blood with a brush, told her homeland - "a country that no longer exists", sang Balkan songs.
Her actions symbolized an attempt to make amends and prove that the sacrifices were not in vain. Alas, the blood was not washed away, just as one of the terrible "stains" of European history did not disappear.
The performance won the Golden Lion award at the 47th Venice Biennale and brought worldwide fame to Marina Abramovich.