Abramovic and Ulay – Talking about similarity

Performance (1976)

Ulay

I sit with wide open mouth in front of the guests.

There is the sound of saliva being sucked out.

The sound stops, I close my mouth.

I sew my mouth shut and sit.

I leave.

Marina

I take Ulay’s place.

I answer questions from the guests in his place

until I make a mistake by answering for myself.

I leave.

Duration: 45 minutes

30 November, 1976

Singel 64, Amsterdam.

Visitors: 30

After Ulay left I came and took his place facing the

audience. The audience asked me questions.

I tried to think for him.

I tried to answer for him.

I tried to be him.