The Moth Podcast Summary: "Waiting for Marina Abramović" by Starlee Kine

Episode Details

• Title: Waiting for Marina Abramović
• Host/Author: The Moth
• Storyteller: Starlee Kine
• Release Date: March 17, 2015

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Moth, writer and radio producer Starlee Kine shares a deeply personal and transformative experience centered around her anticipation to witness a performance by the renowned artist Marina Abramović at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. Through vivid storytelling, Starlee navigates themes of obsession, human connection, and personal disillusionment.

Background: Starlee's Fascination with Marina Abramović

Starlee begins by introducing herself and her project—a book probing the self-help industry. Her research led her to various retreats, each with conflicting philosophies, but she found a common thread in an exercise involving sustained eye contact:

"It's really amazing where you kind of sink into the other person's eyes and you feel really calm and you feel this sense of confusion that you don't really ever feel otherwise."
[03:30]

This exercise parallels Marina Abramović's performance art, particularly a 2011 MoMA mainstage show where Abramović invited participants to sit silently and gaze into her eyes for as long as they wished. Starlee was captivated by Abramović's ability to forge deep human connections through such minimalistic interactions.

The Quest to Experience Abramović's Performance

Driven by admiration, Starlee resolved to attend Abramović's extended performance. Despite the show's popularity and the intimidating reputations of its attendees, she detailed her determination:

"I just had to go do it."
[05:00]

To secure her spot, Starlee arrived at MoMA the night before the final day, only to discover she was preceded by 50 ardent fans—whom she refers to as "groupies." This overwhelming crowd transformed her anticipation into a grueling 14-hour wait, fraught with uncomfortable interactions and a pervasive sense of competition.

Navigating the Line: Encounters and Frustrations

Throughout her wait, Starlee recounts various encounters that tested her patience and resolve:

• Groupies: Preoccupied with their devotion to Abramović, these individuals often disregarded the purpose of the performance, engaging in superficial conversations and behaviors.

  "I have never quite had the confidence to be, like, objectified and disrespected by lead singers."
  [07:45]

• La Ronde: A man referred to by his public access name, who incessantly discussed politics and public access television, further isolating Starlee from the crowd's genuine intentions.

  "He was like every man who'd ever tried to talk politics with me in a park."
  [09:15]

• Petition Efforts: Attempts to mitigate the time limit imposed by MoMA saw minimal support, highlighting the futility and fragmented solidarity among the attendees.

  "It might as well have been like the cargo hold or the lower class and the Titanic asking the first class if they wouldn't mind giving up the lifeboats."
  [12:30]

These interactions underscored the disconnect between Starlee's sincere intent and the crowd's superficial engagement, deepening her sense of isolation despite the shared purpose.

The Performance Begins: A Mixed Reality

Upon finally entering MoMA, Starlee was thrust into an environment starkly different from her expectations. The initial moment saw the "popular girls" making a dramatic yet premature statement by partially disrobing, leading to chaos and Starlee's refusal to endorse their antics:

"I refused to applaud because I didn't want to be associated with my fellow line sitters."
[14:00]

As participants took their turns, emotions ran high. Tears, frustration, and fleeting moments of connection characterized the experience. Starlee describes the room's atmosphere as overwhelming, with the proximity to Abramović's presence both exhilarating and unattainable.

Climactic Separation and Personal Reflection

As the time limit was unexpectedly reduced from 15 to 8 minutes, hope flickered for Starlee. However, moments before she could secure her place, a guard's intervention physically and symbolically separated her from the opportunity:

"That arm just represented all of my, like, dashed disappointments in life."
[15:45]

This abrupt end to her quest led Starlee to a profound moment of self-realization and acceptance. Alone in MoMA's cafeteria, she reflected on her journey, embracing the futility and finding solace in the experience's inherent lessons about desire, patience, and personal boundaries.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

Starlee concludes her story by acknowledging the complexity of human connections and the ongoing quest for meaningful interactions:

"I do feel like there is a whole world of meaningful eye contact that I have still to look forward to."
[16:03]

Her narrative not only captures the physical toll of waiting but also delves into the emotional and psychological landscapes navigated during such quests for connection and understanding.

Key Takeaways

• Obsessive Pursuits: Starlee's determination to witness Abramović's performance exemplifies how personal obsessions can lead to exhaustive and isolating endeavors.

• Human Disconnect: Despite being surrounded by individuals with similar goals, genuine connection remains elusive, highlighting the challenges of finding authentic interactions in crowded or impersonal settings.

• Personal Growth: The experience, though fraught with disappointment, serves as a catalyst for introspection and acceptance, underscoring the value of the journey over the destination.

Notable Quotes

• Starlee Kine on Eye Contact Exercise:
  "It's really amazing where you kind of sink into the other person's eyes and you feel really calm and you feel this sense of confusion that you don't really ever feel otherwise."
  [03:30]

• Frustration with Groupies and Superficial Engagement:
  "I have never quite had the confidence to be, like, objectified and disrespected by lead singers."
  [07:45]

• Reflection on Human Behavior in Crowded Spaces:
  "It might as well have been like the cargo hold or the lower class and the Titanic asking the first class if they wouldn't mind giving up the lifeboats."
  [12:30]

• Personal Realization Amidst Disappointment:
  "That arm just represented all of my, like, dashed disappointments in life."
  [15:45]

• Hope for Future Connections:
  "I do feel like there is a whole world of meaningful eye contact that I have still to look forward to."
  [16:03]

Starlee Kine's "Waiting for Marina Abramović" is a poignant exploration of human desire, the complexities of shared experiences, and the sometimes-painful journey toward personal fulfillment. Through her eloquent storytelling, listeners are invited to reflect on their own pursuits and the nature of genuine connection in an increasingly fragmented world.