Born in Belgrade, Marina Abramović, 77, studied as a painter. From 1976 to 1988, she collaborated with her partner, the artist Ulay, to perform works such as the naked doorway piece, Imponderabilia. Her installations include 2002’s The House With the Ocean View, where she lived in a gallery without speaking or eating for 12 days. Last year she became the first female artist to have a major Royal Academy solo show. Her limited-edition photographic print will be auctioned by Christie’s to raise funds for conservation charity the Blue Marine Foundation at Blue: Art for the Ocean during Frieze London in October. She lives in New York.
When were you happiest?
Whenever I finish good work.
What is your greatest fear?
To be eaten by a shark.
Which living person do you most admire and why?
His holiness the Dalai Lama and his ability to forgive.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
My difficulty to forgive.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
Pretending I’m happy when I’m not.
Aside from a property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought?
A cashmere shawl.
What is your most treasured possession?
My cashmere shawl.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
That performance art has become a part of mainstream art.
Describe yourself in three words:
Long hair, big nose, large ass.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
The list is too long.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Cate Blanchett.
What is your most unappealing habit?
That I can’t stop eating chocolate.
What scares you about getting older?
That my nose and chin will touch.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Exactly what I am now.
Would you choose fame or anonymity?
If you make 55 years of good work, fame is unavoidable.
What was the last lie that you told?
That I have no time when I might have a little.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Looking at shitty television series.
after newsletter promotion
To whom would you most like to say sorry and why?
To myself. I am my harshest critic.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My last love is always the greatest.
What does love feel like?
Eternal happiness.
Have you ever said ‘I love you’ without meaning it?
No, I really mean what I say.
How often do you have sex?
Often.
What is the closest you’ve come to death?
Last year when I had a pulmonary embolism – it was a very scary time.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
To have more time.
Would you rather have more sex, money or fame?
Sex.
What happens when we die?
Twenty-one grams of energy goes into the universe.
English (US)