The Great Wall of China has inspired many works of art throughout its 2,000-year history, but one of the most memorable is “The Great Wall Walk” by performance artists Marina Abramović and the late Ulay. The 90-day walk was originally meant to culminate in marriage, with each of them trekking from opposite ends of the wall. However, by the time they received permission from Chinese authorities — eight years after conceiving the idea — their romantic relationship had deteriorated. Despite this, they continued with the project and met in the middle of the Wall to say a final goodbye.
Along the way, the artist heard tales from locals about dragons and the folklore surrounding the Great Wall Courtesy of the Marina Abramović Archives
Abramović’s new exhibition, “Marina Abramović: Transforming Energy,” at the Modern Art Museum Shanghai, features over 1,200 never-before-seen images from this journey. Divided into four categories, the photographs capture their walk, interactions with locals, and stunning landscapes. Abramović recalled the warmth and hospitality of the local villagers, who shared food and stories about the Great Wall.
The project’s completion was as much a spiritual experience as it was a physical one for Abramović. She described her walk as a time of reflection and discovery, connecting with the land’s energy and contemplating the folklore surrounding the Wall. The exhibition invites visitors to experience a sense of contemplation and tranquility, offering a unique glimpse into Abramović’s transformative journey along the Great Wall of China.
