Museum of Modern Love, The
Rose, HeatherFulfilling a promise to his wife Lydia, film composer Arky Levin makes his way to New York's Museum of Modern Art and Marina Abramovic's iconic performance work: one table, two chairs and the mingled gaze of the artist and participating members of the public over a seventy-five day period.
A surprising catalyst for Arky's examination of his life, the exhibition is at the heart of this original and clever story and reimagining of the actual 2010 event. It provides a fascinating backdrop to pondering profound ideas of art and life.
Pages
278
278
Year
2016
2016
Reviews
02-11-2023
We were quite divided in our enjoyment of this book but only one didn't finish it. All felt it was well-written, not a quick read and quite challenging.
16-08-2023
An intriguing, well-written, intelligent mix of fiction and fact. Definitely worth a second read to fully appreciate its subtleties. Excellent background notes.
01-08-2023
We all agreed it was slow to start but we enjoyed the writing style and themes as we progressed. We researched Marina and her intriguing approach to art and found it thought-provoking, and an eye-opener into the world of performance art.
22-05-2023
We were all amazed by this book. It is rare for us all to like one, but both the writing and the story had us captivated. Several of us are going to buy a copy to keep.
17-05-2023
We really enjoyed this,. A fascinating subject and a wonderful weaving of fact and fiction. A thought-provoking book - generated lots of discussion.
11-05-2023
"Ghastly!" This was one member's summary and most of us agreed... only 4 actually completed reading the whole story. However, one member really enjoyed it but she wasn't present at the discussion meeting. There were clever elements included by the author but overall a big "thumbs down".
28-03-2023
Most really liked it. We found the story of the artist intriguing and liked the way the fictional characters were woven into her story.
28-03-2023
Interesting insight into the creative process of an artist and what had shaped Marina's artistic sensibility. Good use of characters, wide range of cultures and socio-economic backgrounds to support the central theme. Group members had 'googled' the MOMA exhibition to get greater clarity of the installation.
04-07-2022
We found this book challenging but well worth reading - a second reading as advised in the notes was helpful. Most of us looked up references and more information on the internet. We were fascinated by the artist's life and work, and by the way the author fused reality and fiction. Much discussion of modern art, and of the ethics of a living will such as that made by Lydia.
16-05-2022
A many faceted and thought-provoking book.
05-05-2022
Mixed feelings for this book - some thought it brilliant, one scored it 10/10. Others struggled with the concept of 'art' as practised by Marina, and found the book a challenge - albeit beautifully written.
07-03-2022
We all loved this book!
17-11-2021
This book caused more discussion than any book this year - principally about whether performance art is art at all. Some liked the book, some hated it and didn't finish it. It certainly made you think about performance art and its purpose.
17-11-2021
A simple quietly written book with many insights into an amazing artist. Many of us read further about Marina Abramovic.
01-10-2021
A stunningly original and (surprisingly) compelling read. We all enjoyed the novelty of clever blend of fact and fiction so ably written. A memorable book for all with "performance art" at the centre which seemed an improbable setting but strangely magnetic like Marina. Lots of meaningful discussion.
15-09-2021
Full excited discussion. All loved it. Most extraordinary novel mixed with an actual Marina Abramovic living performance. Great discussion around the questions raised. What is Art What is love What was Marina's purpose in creating living art Why did visitors to MoMA take up the opportunity to sit opposite Marina We found the notes most helpful.
06-08-2021
Most of our group found the book to be brilliant, original in concept, and beautifully executed. Highly recommended by 7 out of 8 of us.
11-06-2021
A fascinating read, and as it was based on fact we were able to read more about Marina Abramovic from Wikipedia. Well worth a read!
31-05-2021
Great conversations over this book. Some would buy it, some would recommend to certain friends, and some would read it again.
05-05-2021
This book resonated with the art/music members of the group. Two members didn't finish it, but mainly we were fascinated by this well-told story.
18-03-2021
We really appreciated the notes, and enjoyed the challenge of this book - our individual scores varied between 3.5 to 5. Stimulating discussion.
08-03-2021
Really enjoyed the prose, but found Abramovic's concept of art bizarre.
08-03-2021
We found this book challenging but well worth reading - a second reading as advised in the notes was helpful. Most of us looked up references and more information on the internet. We were fascinated by the artist's life and work, and by the way the author fused reality and fiction. Much discussion of modern art, and of the ethics of a living will such as that made by Lydia.
14-10-2020
We loved this book! It inspired much discussion and research into Marina Abramovic and what "AA" really is and how it affects us. It offered escapism from our "norm". The characters were plausible and got richer.
13-10-2020
Only half of us finished the book, we found the book a bit slow to start, but then all enjoyed what we did read. We all found it fascinating that Marina is a real artist, and had an interesting discussion about her work.
26-08-2020
We all read it. We didn't rave over this book but were nonetheless intrigued, especially as based on a true event.