London's art world is once again buzzing with controversy as legendary performance artist Marina Abramović brings her audacious Balkan Erotic Epic to the Royal Academy of Arts. The exhibition, running until 5th January 2026, presents a visceral exploration of ancient Slavic folk traditions through a distinctly Abramović lens.
A Provocative Return to Roots
At 78, the pioneering artist delves deep into her Serbian heritage, resurrecting pre-Christian rituals and beliefs that once dominated Balkan culture. The exhibition features startling imagery including skeletal orgies, ceremonial breast-kneading practices, and prominent phallic symbolism that challenges contemporary sensibilities.
"This work represents my most personal investigation into the erotic spirituality of my ancestors," Abramović explained during the preview. "These traditions were suppressed for centuries, but they hold profound wisdom about the connection between body, nature, and the divine."
Ancient Rituals Reimagined
The centrepiece of the exhibition includes:
- Video installations depicting ritualistic breast manipulation as a form of weather magic
- Photographic works featuring skeletons engaged in symbolic sexual acts
- Ceremonial objects exploring phallic worship in agricultural traditions
- Performance documentation of participatory rituals involving the audience
Curator Andrea Tarsia describes the exhibition as "a courageous journey into the intersection of folklore, sexuality, and spirituality that only Abramović could undertake with such conviction."
Cultural Heritage Meets Contemporary Art
Drawing from extensive research into Slavic mythology, the work demonstrates how ancient Balkan communities used erotic practices not for titillation, but as serious spiritual tools. Breast-kneading rituals were believed to influence rainfall, while phallic symbols were employed to ensure fertile harvests.
The exhibition has already generated significant discussion among art critics and cultural commentators, with some praising its anthropological depth while others question its explicit nature.
As one of the most anticipated art events of the season, The Balkan Erotic Epic continues Abramović's lifelong mission to push boundaries and explore the furthest reaches of human experience through performance art.
