Marina Abramović and Trevor Noah's Significance | Teen Ink

Marina Abramović and Trevor Noah's Significance

January 16, 2024
By 302357 BRONZE, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
302357 BRONZE, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
3 articles 0 photos 0 comments

In a world striving for equality, the feminine force emerges. Females challenge norms, shatter stereotypes, and pave a path for the future. Every voice matters regardless of gender, and society must resonate with the idea of justness for all. Serbian artist, Marina Abramović, has broken barriers through performance art in which she confronts the audience with raw and uncomfortable aspects of human existence. Her perception of the limits of artistic expression has left a great impact on the underlying concepts of modern art and female objectification. Trevor Noah addressed similar issues that he experienced firsthand throughout his childhood in regards to apartheid in South Africa. His insight on segregation and racism throughout the autobiography Born a Crime, has brought attention to the issue of suppression. Marina Abramović and Trevor Noah both recognize their resilience, identity struggles, and the societal impact that people have had on their lives. 


In order to be resilient you must be capable of adapting to circumstances after enduring hardship, maintain strength in the face of adversity, and overcome struggles with a sense of determination. Learning, growing, and thriving are some specific abilities that individuals who embody resilience portray. Marina Abramović conducted a performance called Rhythm 0, where she placed 72 objects (ranging from as harmless as a rose to as violent as a gun) on a table with a sign explaining that she is an object and may be used by the audience in whichever way they pleased. Marina had written on a sign, “There are 72 objects on the table that one can use on me as desired and during this period I take full responsibility” (Graf Article). She demonstrated resilience through her commitment to the performance to pursue her artistic vision. The complexities that she as a female faced only made her work more meaningful and strong. She remained silent as a loaded firearm was raised to her head by a stranger who wrapped Marina’s finger around the trigger. Her endurance during her immersive and demanding 6 hour long exhibit truly broke social barriers for all females. Trevor Noah’s resilience is evident in his childhood because his very existence was a crime. Through all of the difficulties he has faced, he's overcome them and uses his personal experiences to shed light on societal issues to help others with theirs. Trevor states “White people don’t talk to black people. So why would black people know… the white man’s world? (Noah 15). Trevor had always faced strict racial division but his ability to overcome adversity is a testament to his resilience. As a child he navigated his way through a complex and discriminatory environment. His adapting to changing circumstances reflects a form of resilience. He doesn’t understand the racial barriers and why people treat one another differently. Marina Abramović had a similar ideology of this conflict, never seeming to understand why men and women were viewed as two entirely different species. Many of her monumental performances, such as Rhythm 0, prove how resilient she truly is. Trevor Noah’s childhood greatly influenced his perspective on the world and has shaped him into the insightful and resilient person he is today. 


Identity struggles are challenged by conventional notions that Marina Abramović and Trevor Noah both encourage. A notable example is Marina’s piece called “The Artist Is Present (Biesenbach Article).” where she sat silently before museum visitors, inviting them to share an intimate experience with her that questioned the boundaries of personal identity. Her performance involved intense physical and emotional aspects that led to a profound examination of her identity as well as those  who engaged with her work. She created a space for exploration and prompted viewers to reflect on their own identities under public observation. Marina blurs the line between individual identity and collective experience. She sat inaudibly for 736 hours while strangers had the opportunity to share a moment of speechless connection with her. Demanding vulnerability and authenticity helped to uncover the layers people use to conceal their true identities. Trevor Noah’s use of the following quote suggests that he adapted and changed his persona to fit in, “I became a chameleon” (Noah 56). Young, biracial Trevor struggled in a society marked by racial segregation. By describing himself as a chameleon, Noah implies that he had to change aspects of his identity to survive in a society that imposed strict racial classifications. He faced difficulties in reconciling his mixed heritage with racial norms during the era of apartheid in South Africa. Needing to blend in and conceal certain aspects of oneself to fit expectations and avoid persecution is unjust. His fluid identity was shaped by the context and circumstances in which he found himself at a given point. This point represents the complex and dynamic nature of human identity in the face of external pressure. Marina Abramović challenged traditional concepts of identity by fostering techniques that emphasized the interconnectedness of human perception. Trevor Noah’s grappling with identity struggles during his upbringing highlighted challenges of racism in oppressive environments. 


The societal impact that people such as Marina Abramović and Trevor Noah have created is profound. They have reshaped perceptions, challenged norms/roles, and inspired global dialogue on the boundaries of racism and sexism. Abramović’s performance, “The House with the Ocean View (Biesenbach Article).” challenged human culture. She lived in three transparent spaces for twelve days and each structure represented separate aspects of herself. One was her mind, one for her heart, and the last for her body. The level of transparency depicted in this performance challenged the conventional boundaries of privacy and comfort. She pushed the limits of her mental and emotional wellbeing during this time and highlighted concepts of vulnerability and endurance. It is worth noting that she was defying the norms of society, mimicking their fast-paced and fragmented nature. Trevor Noah has impacted society due to his contributions to social commentary and addressing issues with race, identity, and social justice. One quote that reflects his significance is, “Language, even more than color, defines who you are to people” (Noah 56). The quote embodies Noah’s emphasis on the power of language shaping perceptions. As the host of “The Daily Show,” he uses humor and insight to address social issues, focusing on conversations about race and language. Noah’s ability to navigate and illuminate complex topics contributes to promoting understanding in a broader societal context. He believes in the power of unity to drive us forward and bring us together. Noah’s approach to societal issues is a sense of encouragement to criticize reflection on societal norms. Marina Abramović challenged societal norms of privacy, communication, and pace at which people live their lives. She prompted viewers to question established conventions and consider alternative perspectives on human connection. Trevor Noah’s advocacy and efforts to bring attention to the issues of social justice, equality, and human rights makes him a major contributor to society. He works to raise awareness and encourage conversations on topics like racism, inequality, and discrimination. Noah is a positive influence by promoting inclusivity. He's viewed as a good person in the eyes of many because of his positive impact. 


In a world that aspires towards equality, the emergence of the feminine force becomes palpable. Females, exemplified by individuals like Serbian artist Marina Abramović, challenge norms, shatter stereotypes, and illuminate a path towards an inclusive future. This underscores the fundamental truth that every voice, regardless of gender, holds significance, and society must become comfortable with the core principle of justice for all. Abramović, through her groundbreaking performance art, confronts audiences with the raw and uncomfortable aspects of human existence, leaving an indelible impact on the very fabric of modern art and challenging perceptions of female objectification. Similarly, Trevor Noah, drawing from his firsthand experiences during apartheid in South Africa, addresses issues of segregation and racism in his autobiography 'Born a Crime,' bringing attention to the insidious nature of suppression. Both Abramović and Noah share a profound understanding of resilience, identity struggles, and the societal influences that have shaped their lives. Learning about people who faced adversity and overcame challenges can serve as a powerful source of inspiration. Their narratives often showcase how humans can rise above difficulties and persevere. Narratives of struggles shed light on social issues and bring awareness to systematic problems. In Noah’s case, he helps to formulate cultural and historical understanding so that others can emphasize and have a sense of motivation for personal growth. In essence, the significance of studying narratives of people who are born a crime can potentially inspire others.


The author's comments:

This piece highlights topics of racism and sexism. 


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