I want people to come to me open and vulnerable. When they come to the gallery, they have to leave their watches, their computers, their Blackberrys, iPads, iPhones, because we are so incredibly used to technology, and I wanted to remove that.

Marina Abramovic’s quote speaks to her desire to create an environment where individuals can experience art in its most raw and authentic form, free from the distractions of technology. She wants people to approach her gallery with an open and vulnerable mindset, disconnected from the constant connectivity of modern life. By asking visitors to leave their watches, computers, and smart devices behind, Abramovic aims to encourage a deeper, more immersive connection with the art and the present moment, devoid of the distractions and constant notifications that technology brings.

The origin of this perspective comes from Abramovic’s practice as a performance artist, where she is known for creating intense, deeply personal experiences that require both physical and emotional vulnerability. Throughout her career, she has pushed the boundaries of art by involving the audience in her performances in ways that break down the usual barriers between the artist and the observer. Her desire to remove technology from the gallery environment reflects her belief that true connection and emotional engagement can only happen when people are fully present, without the influence of digital distractions.

Abramovic’s statement also critiques the pervasive role technology plays in modern life, suggesting that people are often so consumed by their devices that they lose the ability to be present and engage with the world around them. In asking people to leave behind their smartphones and other tech, she is urging them to reconnect with themselves and their emotions, as well as with the art and the space around them. This removal of technology helps people return to a more mindful state, allowing them to truly experience the art in a more intimate and meaningful way.

Ultimately, Abramovic’s quote reflects her belief that art and human connection can be experienced more profoundly when we are free from the constant interference of technology. By creating a space where people can leave behind their devices and embrace vulnerability, she invites them to engage with art—and with each other—in a way that is more genuine and emotionally resonant.