Beijing News (reporter Liu Zhen) According to foreign media reports, on March 2, local time, performance artist Uvi Rispan (referred to as "Ulay") died in Ljubljana, Slovenia, at the age of 76 due to complications caused by cancer treatment. Ulay and Abramović were the most famous and pioneering artistic couples in the world, and the most familiar to the public is the scene where Ulay appears when Abramović performs "The Artist Is Present" and the two look at each other and cry.
"The Artist is on the Spot"
Born in Solingen, Germany, in 1943, Ouray traveled alone to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in the 1960s and joined the occasional art group The Provos. In 1976, Ulay and Abramović met in Amsterdam, and in 1988 they symbolically ended their relationship with a performance of walking across the Great Wall, declaring that "they never saw each other again after separating in 1988 on the Great Wall of China" – in fact, Abramovich and Ulay met again less than half a year after their breakup on The Great Wall of Lovers, and the location is still the Great Wall of China. In 2010, 22 years after their separation, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) in New York witnessed their reunion. As Abramovich was performing "The Artist is Present," Ulay suddenly appeared and sat across from her. Abramovich broke the rules of the show, clasped hands with his old lover, and burst into tears. This scene has also become a classic moment in the history of world performance art.
"Lover's Great Wall"
It is understood that in 2011, Ulay was confirmed to have cancer, and then actively recovered and began his last trial of the body, the Cancer Project. Shortly after Ouray's death, Abramovich also posted through his social platform: "It is very sad that my friend and former partner Ouray passed away today. He was an outstanding artist and human being, and we will miss him fondly. On this day, it is comforting to learn that his art and legacy will be immortalized. ”
Ouray's studio published a tribute article through social platforms saying: "Ouray is unbeatable. As a person, as an artist. The most tender giver of the soul. A pioneer, a demagogue, an activist, a mentor, a colleague, a friend, a father, a husband, a family. Those who seek light. People who love life. A traveler. A warrior. A clever thinker. He was always pushing the limits and enduring pain. Selfless and fearless, morally noble, elegant and funny. He influenced a lot of people. His family, friends, the art world and thousands of us will miss him deeply because he deeply touched and inspired us. He has influenced generations of artists – his memories and legacy will live on forever through his work and that of the Ouray Foundation. ”
The image is from the Abramovich social networking site
Beijing News reporter Liu Zhen
Edited by Tian Kaini Proofreader Jia Ning