Marina Abramović’s 1975 performance finally reveals its hidden photographer
Marina Abramović's first international performance took place in Innsbruck in 1975. The piece, titled 'Thomas Lips', marked a turning point in her career and led to a pivotal meeting with artist Ulay. Yet the photographer behind the iconic images of that night remained unnamed—until now.
The performance unfolded at Galerie Krinzinger in 1975, where Abramović used honey, wine, a whip, a razor blade, and a white cloth. She carved a five-pointed star into her stomach, a symbol tied to her upbringing under communism. An icy cross, referencing her devoutly Catholic grandmother, also featured in the piece.
The audience intervened before the performance could finish. Many could not bear to watch as Abramović whipped herself and cut into her skin. Despite the disruption, the event was documented by Friedrich Krinzinger, an archaeologist and husband of gallerist Ursula Krinzinger. Ursula herself had helped Abramović escape the constraints of communist Yugoslavia, enabling her to perform abroad.
After Innsbruck, Abramović restaged 'Thomas Lips' in Amsterdam. There, she met Ulay, a fellow artist. The two fell in love and collaborated for the next twelve years, shaping the direction of performance art.
The 1975 performance in Innsbruck launched Abramović's international reputation. It also set the stage for her future work with Ulay and cemented her place in contemporary art history. The newly identified photographer, Friedrich Krinzinger, adds another layer to the story of that defining night.
