Marina Abramović on a white horse is exactly what the art world needs right now

It’s 8.22pm precisely at Piccadilly Circus in London, on a dusky warm summer evening. An art crowd has gathered by the steps of the Eros statue, just opposite the entrance to a Boots chemist. In this hectic thoroughfare in the very heart of the city, every single one of the thousands of anonymous passers-by are looking up in awe. On a 60-foot screen usually reserved for sportswear and fast-food ads, there is a vision of legendary performance artist Marina Abramović on a white horse. ‘Heroes should not lie to themselves or others; heroes should not make themselves into an idol,’ her deep voice recites. 

A Call For New Heroes is Marina Abramović’s latest work, presented by London-based platform, CIRCA. After London, it’s set to screen in Seoul, Milan, Berlin, New York, and Los Angeles. It reflects very well the fact that Abramović’s presence (even though the artist wasn’t present in the flesh) is larger than life – as much as her influence in the art world. 

The message of A Call For New Heroes, however, is far from being egotistical. The video of the artist on a horse bearing a white flag was originally recorded in 2001 for her artwork ‘The Hero’, made after the death of her father, who was a national hero and fought in WWII. The new version comes together with ‘The Heroes’ Manifesto’, which seeks to inspire the new crop of heroes for the modern day. As we’re struggling to understand how to navigate the world where the vibe is rapidly continuing to deteriorate (read: global instability, rising tensions and climate breakdown), Abramović sets an example of stillness, endurance, and integrity. 

‘Our planet needs uncorrupted heroes with morality, who embody courage and bring real change. Every day in this world is a shaky, uncertain, constantly changing landscape. For CIRCA 2022, we have this white horse. This white flag. This beautiful land. We need heroes that can bring new light to illuminate us. Heroes that can inspire us to be better, and to work together, not against each other. Heroes who care,’ the artist commented. 

CIRCA was established in 2020 by British-Irish artist Josef O’Connor who acts as artistic director. Following the screening, he hosted a gathering at 180 House, with a performance by Tom Rasmussen and Michèle Lamy among the guests. He is also set to present Abramović’s first NFT at this week’s Art Basel, so watch this space. 

‘The Hero’ will be presented by CIRCA on the energy-efficient Tezos blockchain. Renowned for embracing new mediums and technologies, the artist will announce details of her first-ever NFT during a conversation with O’Connor at Art Basel, 5pm CET on Saturday 18 June.