Ulay / Marina Abramović

The exhibition ART VITAL offers for the first time a multilayered insight into the unique and uncompromising collaborative work and life of the artist couple Ulay and Marina Abramović over a period of 12 years between 1976 and 1988. 

Rather than being chronological the exhibition is conceptualised through different sections highlighting their nomadic practice and expanded personal archaeology with content drawn from all over the world – transcultural and trans-historical. The exhibition provides an overview of all phases of their collaboration and the themes explored in and through their work. In addition to presenting their already anthological performances with video documentation, photo series, and memorabilia, the exhibition places a strong focus on archival material such as photographs, letters, personal notes, recordings, music lists, and books. 

The exhibition will include various events such as re-enactments, film programmees, and discussion programmes that deepen the understanding of Abramović and Ulay’s work and reflect on the significance of their artistic practice for the field of contemporary art. 

ART VITAL – 12 Years of Ulay / Abramović will be accompanied by a reprint of the legendary catalogue Relation Work and Detour (1980), published by the artists themselves – to be published in spring 2025 – as well as an extensive catalogue of the exhibition. 

The exhibition will open on their shared birthday, November 30, 2025 at Cukrarna Gallery in Ljubljana, the city where Ulay spent the last years of his life.