At this point, a schism formed within the audience. A faction of protective onlookers intervened, resulting in a physical altercation as they worked to disarm the individual and remove the threat. Even amid this chaos, Abramović remained completely stoic, though the emotional toll of the six-hour ordeal was evident. The Aftermath: The Mirror of Cowardice
Abramović placed a sign on the table with instructions that read:
By the fifth hour, a spectator loaded the gun, placed it against Abramović's neck, and forced her finger onto the trigger. A fight broke out among the audience members as a faction developed to protect her from the instigators. marina abramovic rhythm 0 performance video top
"Instructions: There are 72 objects on the table that one can use on me as desired. Performance. I am the object. During this period I take full responsibility. Duration: 6 hours (8 pm – 2 am)"
The premise of Rhythm 0 was deceptively simple, designed to test the limits of passive performance. Abramović placed herself, completely immobile, in a room filled with 72 objects, ranging from tools of pleasure to tools of destruction. At this point, a schism formed within the audience
She had given the audience complete legal and moral carte blanche.
Discussions regarding the experience are available through various art archives and platforms like Vimeo. Museum Archives: The Aftermath: The Mirror of Cowardice Abramović placed
A rose, feathers, honey, grapes, olive oil, perfume, and a mirror.
The performance video documentation reveals a gradual, chilling descent. The audience, initially hesitant and polite, slowly realized the absolute lack of consequences.
A man takes the scissors. He cuts her necklace off. Then he cuts her shirt down the middle. The audience laughs nervously. One woman shouts, "Stop!" But no one stops.