Marina Abramović: Gates and Portals

About Marina Abramović: Gates and Portals

Pioneering performance artist Marina Abramović (b. 1946, Belgrade, lives and works in New York) presents a new site-specific performance-based exhibition at Modern Art Oxford.

Gates and Portals explores transitional states of being, with each visitor participating as a performer with a small group of others. During the exhibition, expect to encounter gates and portals that prompt contemplation of bodily awareness and elevated consciousness.

The exhibition was developed following a research residency at the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford, in the summer of 2021. A case installation of a film and new drawings made by the artist during her residency will be displayed at the Pitt Rivers Museum to complement the Gates and Portals exhibition.

“This is an attempt to do something different, because in a normal exhibition, you’re just a silent witness. At Modern Art Oxford, rather than just viewing artworks in front of you, you will be partaking in an experience that will be happening to you.” 

Marina Abramović

Tickets

Please see important ticketing information below.

Ticketing information

Prices
Standard tickets – £10.00
Concessions – £7.50

Pre-booking is essential 

Friends of Modern Art Oxford get free entry to Marina Abramovic: Gates and Portals.

Marina Abramović conceived of this show as her most radical because the role of the performer is given to the visitor. The artist herself will not be present during the exhibition.

Advance booking is essential. You will not be able to book tickets at the gallery, so you must book online ahead of your visit.

Due to the nature of the exhibition, you must book a specific time and date to come. You may not be allowed entry if you’re late to your booked slot.

On most days, the exhibition has an age limit of 8+. This is because the quality of the visitor experience relies on giving time and attention without distraction. However, on Thursdays, Saturday mornings from 10.00am to noon, and school holidays, the exhibition is open to everyone, including school groups, younger visitors and family groups with children under 8. However, due to its nature, it may not be suitable for children under 5.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Please allow at least an hour to participate in the exhibition.

At the beginning of the experience, you will be checked in by a friendly front-of-house staff who will ask you to put your belongings (including watches, phones, handbags and coats) in a secure locker for the duration of the experience. You will then be led upstairs by facilitators trained in the Abramović method.

The exhibition will require visitors to stand for long periods of time. Seating will be made available for those who want/need it.

This show contains elements of sensory deprivation as well as very bright lights. Visitors will be requested to engage with these as part of their visit. Please note that this is optional but a key part of the experience designed by Marina Abramović.

The exhibition contains magnets, which may not be suitable for pregnant people or those with a pacemaker or similar medical device.

If you have any questions about the exhibition experience before booking or require specific access support, please email info@modernartoxford.org.uk.