Really enjoyed this and found myself looking things up about the real Marina Abramovic and her Artist is Present Performance Art exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in 2010 in NYC.

In 2010, the performance artist Marina Abramovic sat at a table in New York City’s Museum of Modern Art six days per week, seven hours per day without one break, for 75 days. A small plaque in the room invited viewers to “sit silently with the artist for a duration of your choosing.” This piece became one of the most famous performance art experiences in recent history, as over 1400 people chose to sit and hold the artist’s gaze. Heather Rose takes the exhibit and uses it as a springboard to discuss the nature and purpose of art. While she focuses on Marina Abramovic’s past work, she also creates multiple other perspectives. Arky Levin, a frustrated soundtrack composer who is currently alone in his Manhattan home because his wife is ill and in round-the-clock care, is the character who gets the most page time but Jane Miller (a recently widowed art teacher from Georgia), Brittika van der Sar( a Ph.D. candidate from Amsterdam doing her dissertation on Abramovic) and Healayas Breen (a professional art critic) all have page time too. Much of the book’s point of view is that of a nameless muse of creativity who visits, watches, and attempts to inspire all of the characters. The author has created a kaleidoscope of a novel which has as its focus the nature of art and the creative process. The difficulty of submitting to inspiration is personified by Levin as he struggles to compose a soundtrack for a new Japanese anime movie. Part of Levin’s difficulty is that he can’t face his wife’s illness or his feelings about it. Unacknowledged grief paralyzes him until he begins to find some structure for his day by attending “The Artist is Present” and observing the interaction of Abramovic and those who choose to sit with her.
One of the book’s many strengths is how it illuminates the endurance and courage it takes to create. Discussion of Abramovic’s past work and how she has mined her own life’s pain for inspiration and emotional resonance helps the reader to see how she returns to themes of endurance and awareness. Seeing into the minds of other characters allows the author to access motifs of grief, isolation and how people struggle with being honest with themselves. Part of her point is that creativity and art can help to connect people both with their own feelings and with other people. Although the themes are weighty, the book also allows the reader to process emotions as the characters do and there is a sense of hope and joy in it. It’s a useful tool for anyone who would like to explore how creativity works more deeply. It’s also an excellent book for book clubs because it raises so many interesting discussion topics.

What is art? That’s sort of the question behind Heather Rose’s The Museum of Modern Love, a tale of an artist being inspired into action by another artist. The story is a mix of fact and fiction. The fact part is that it is set in New York City of the year 2010 where real-life performance artist Marina Abramović staged an exhibition where she sat sit for 75 days, and invited art patrons to sit with her. Fiction is blurred into this with the character of Arky Levin, a film composer struggling with a little bit of writer’s block whose wife has had a stroke. She is now residing in a palliative care home outside of the city, and has instructed Arky (prior to her incapacitation) not to visit her. He is lured to Abramović’s exhibition and manages to come back for days on end, fascinated with it. He meets a widow named Jane, and while you might expect a romance to blossom, especially given the novel’s name, it disappointingly doesn’t and Jane returns to the state of Georgia to live her life without her husband.

The novel is told from multiple viewpoints, including Abramović’s dead mother. The narrator, though, is an unseen, age-old presence, a spirit that is probably as old as art itself. Thus, questions of God and spirituality and how you can find it through art are raised. In the end, this is a novel about a lot of things — how to live without the presence of your spouse being one of them — and the result is that The Museum of Modern Love, while enjoyable enough, is a bit muddled. In a sense, by blurring the lines of reality and truth, maybe this is a novel about what is real and what is artifice? I don’t really think so, but it’s a curious and experimental move on Rose’s part. However, what she’s trying to get at with this book is a little unclear.

In fact, the book is a bit of a bore, save the Arky parts, because it is all about abstract art. To me, this kind of art smacks of pretentiousness and is highly academic, so it is of no use to me. There are no explorations of pop culture, aside from references to films that Arky would have liked to have scored (The Lord of the Rings trilogy being chief among them), and there really isn’t a meditation here on the value of low art versus high art, which would have made the book more interesting. In its place, we get reams of pages on previous Abramović artworks — probably to set things in context — and, after finding out that some of these works are probably real (one involving the choice of an audience member to shoot Abramović), it just seems so outlandish that one would think it would probably work better as fiction.

Again, Arky’s story is the most interesting of the batch. He is clearly lonely and the book’s publicity materials cite him as being “unlikable” (which I didn’t really find to be the case) and it’s interesting to see how he uses his art — and the art of Abramović’s — to make sense of what’s going on in his life. His daughter is estranged from him, and though he tries to repair the relationship, it’s not clear by novel’s end if he has, in fact, done so. Still, you wind up cheering for Arky and hope that something good happens to him that doesn’t involve the breaking of his heart — which is probably why the aforementioned romance doesn’t really work out or transpire as such.

Other than that, The Museum of Modern Love is murky at best. We see things through the eyes of an ex-wife whose deceased husband was a colleague of Arky’s, as she’s something of an arts journalist, but her role in the book seems superfluous, and is just there to contextualize the work of Abramović. There is so much Abramović in this book that one wonders if it would have worked just as well with a fictitious artist in her stead. In fact, this book really feels like a short story that’s been padded out to novel length. Not much of interest really happens other than what’s happening with Arky, so one wonders if the volume was shorn of its accruements, if it would have worked better.

As you can tell, I’m a little on the fence with this work. As a book that’s about art, it is seemingly very extremist and puts a value on the type of art that few people can really understand. As a book about love, well, no love really exists in this world — aside from the love one has towards another who is either dead or is about to be. As a book about spirituality, I found the whole concept of sitting still with another person who is entirely still to be a bit hokey, though I have to admit this is something I sometimes do by going to a meditation circle — but that, at least, isn’t about art as it is about inviting the spiritual in.

In the end, The Museum of Modern Love is a bit of a disappointment, a squandered opportunity — though it is readable enough. Aside from Arky, I didn’t really care much about any of these characters as they all seemed rather hoity-toity and self-absorbed. The really interesting characters have lost something — though the word “interesting” doesn’t really extend to Abramović, who becomes something of her own character in the second half of the book. We get little insight into the artistic process, or what makes artists tick. This is a bit of a surprise for a book about art. This is a flawed, somehow ultimately non-absorbing tale — and its relative brevity as a novel is either its strength or something of a weakness because a lot more could be said. Maybe this just wasn’t the type of book for me. Still, I found The Museum of Modern Love to be a bit of a disappointment because of the things it lacks. It may have a soul, but it seems rather empty. Put another way, why raise the prospect of this being a book about love, when the only love to be found is through art? The title is, therefore, misleading — which pretty much sums up how I feel about this lightly-written but all too serious book that is kind of interesting, but doesn’t have the light touch that the title promises.

THE MUSEUM OF MODERN LOVE by Heather Rose is the first novel by this award-winning Australian writer to be published in the United States. Rose is exploring the transformative power of art and I found this text caused me to be contemplative and reflective.

I was initially drawn to the characters, Arky Levin (a successful movie score composer facing a life crisis) and Jane Miller (a recently widowed art teacher), who meet at an art exhibit. There, Marina Abramovic offers performance art where she sits completely still all day and leaves open an invitation for others to sit across from her. That part of the novel is based on fact; the actual performance was called "The Artist Is Present" and took place over 75 days in 2010 at New York's Museum of Modern Art. In the novel, Arky and Jane return repeatedly to join others in observing this form of endurance art where some participants are even moved to tears. Overall, I was intrigued, but felt that the book began to drag a bit and honestly would tend to recommend Meet Me at the Museum first which also features bonding across cultures by more mature characters.

Please note, though that THE MUSEUM OF MODERN LOVE received a starred review from Booklist and has won several awards in Australia, including the Stella Prize and the Christina Stead Prize for Fiction. Definitely consider it for adult book groups.

Links in live post:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina_Abramovi%C4%87
https://treviansbookit.blogspot.com/2018/08/meet-me-at-museum-by-anne-youngson.html

This came out in Australia in September 2016 and just came out in the United States this month. The author starts with the event of Marina Abramovic's The Artist is Present at MOMA and explores the artist herself (in a fictional way but with permission and access to materials granted by the artist.) The rest of the novel is made up of the lives of the people drawn to the art. Nothing much happens, and I loved it. Through the various character the author is able to explore what draws people to art (both observing and creating,) selfishness vs connection (only in New York is making eye contact so revolutionary!), and what remains. This may be one of my best reads this year!

I had such high hopes for this book. Learning about at BEA and then being granted the ARC made me want to dig right in. I loved the premise for this book, the execution suffered though. Perhaps it was too literary for my taste.

This will make you regret that you did not have the opportunity to participate in Marina Abramovic's 2010 at the Museum of Modern Art. Rose, with Abramovic's permission, has written a novel which envisions how that performance impacted the lives of those who saw it. Arky is the most prominent person followed- he's a composer at loose ends in his life- but Jane an art teacher is equally affecting. There's also background on Abramovic herself, including input from her mother's ghost (but don't worry- it's not woo woo.). Thanks to the publisher for the ArC. This is fine literary fiction.

Marina Abramovic's The Artist is Present performance at MOMA in 2010 is the backdrop for this incredible novel of love, loss, and understanding people's lives to the core of their being. The author, Heather Rose, interviewed Abramovic while writing the book and had her permission and approval for the work. Details of MA's life offer a unique insight into an artist that I have always found mysterious. I'm not sure I appreciated her work. The MOMA piece was captivating, but again, I don't think I understood it at the time it was happening. This book helped me understand the art a little better, appreciate it more, and respect the artist and her work.

The fictitious aspect of the book investigates the life of another artist, Arky Levin. Arky is a composer and has had highly successful experiences creating film scores for movies. In his fifties, the creative juices are slowing down, and he is dealing with a life crisis that seems unsolvable. While trying to incubate a new film score with a Japanese filmmaker, he wanders into MOMA one day. The experience captures him, and he becomes obsessed with MA and her audience.

Arky makes a daily pilgrimage from his Washington Square apartment to MOMA to observe MA and the people in the audience. He meets a woman from the south named Jane who has recently lost her husband and decided that her period of mourning was becoming oppressive and she needed a trip. Jane was thinking of a long journey but believed that New York was a good test run and as an art teacher decided that MA's performance was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Jane makes the acquaintance of Arky and together for two weeks they sat and observed the performance. They get along well, and it is a good experience for the two lonely people, on that is platonic and nonintrusive. Both Arky and Jane learn some things about the pain in their hearts and souls and part as friends who will stay in touch.

Heather Rose has written an excellent book about love, both romantic and familial. The writing is superb, and the story is mesmerizing. I give this novel the highest marks and recommend it to people who love art and good literary fiction.

I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley.

I wanted to REALLY like this book. As an artist myself, I can appreciate all the art references, both historical and fictional, but I just wanted more from the story. I love that she got permission to use Marina as a character and that the timeline took place centered around Marina's extensive 2010 performance; the ending was sweet, but I finished the book still looking for more within the story.

I was very impressed by the writing. The beginning just drew you in to this small little delicate world and I never stopped being fascinated by how intricate each scene was.

Those looking for a rip roaring plot are best served to look elsewhere. But readers interested in performance art are sure to love THE MUSEUM OF MODERN LOVE, which is ultimately a fiercely compelling look at the human experience and the power and impact of art. I'll admit at times the narrative felt bogged down. I would have appreciated a brisker pace. Nonetheless, the characters are multi-layered and well-done and I thoroughly enjoyed how Rose conveys their arcs. There are so many great lines about the human conditions and she manages to make each character relatable in some way, something that's hard to do. At times the story brought tears to my eyes! -- a powerful work of literary fiction.

Writing:5 Characters: 4.5 Plot: 4

A powerful and poignant novel about the transformational impact of Marina Abramović’s The Artist is Present on those who witness it during the 75 days of performance at MOMA. Abramović’s sits in silence in a large room furnished only with a table and two chairs. Without speaking, she gazes into the eyes of those who choose to sit across from her. From museum opening until closing, Marina does not speak, move, eat, drink, or go to the bathroom. Expecting only modest participation, by the end of the 75 days people are lining up the night before to get a chance at participating. By the end, over 1500 people had sat and over 500,000 had observed either in person or online.

The book delves into the internal experiences of those who participate — either by sitting or by observing. The reflections on art, life, and meaning that emerge from the beings brought together by this piece are incredible, with fresh insights on every page. Abramović says her pieces are “establishing an energy dialog” and that she is “only interested in art that can change the ideology of society.” Some fascinating background on Abramović’s personal history and other pieces are included — I was half way through the book before I realized that this was a real artist and a real piece. Heather Rose has not fictionalized any real people or events but has instead built a story around the deep and transformative impact the piece had on those who bore witness. In some cases we get whole storylines, in others simply passing comments. It was brilliantly done.

Some of the longer storylines follow Arky Levin — a composer of film scores whose beloved wife is sinking into what may be the last stages of a long-term, eventually fatal, genetic condition; Jane Miller, a 54-year old middle school art teacher from the South who is grieving her recently deceased husband; Brittika Van Der Sar, a pink-haired Asian adoptee from the Netherlands writing her PhD on Abramović; and Healayas Breen, a tall and gorgeous media personality.

It brought me to tears many times — not through drama but because of the nakedness of the human experience portrayed as the art “captures moments at the heart of life.”

This book was new experience for me. It's the first book that I've read that blends fictional characters with real life characters. It's literature mixed in with a bit of biography. It has true story elements in novel form. This is a refreshing change from ordinary fiction and I really liked it.

This is a thought-provoking and unusual book that follows characters through Marina Abramović's performance and how their lives are affected by it. I have a better understanding of performance art and how it can connect people to themselves and others better. It had me reflecting on life, death, love, grief, passion, motivations, and art.

I usually don't understand art and performance art is lost on me. But I love hearing the story that each piece tells, and this book gave a great insight into 'The Artist is Present'. The author also weaves in the story of ordinary people that attended the performance, and the impact that it had on their lives. I'm sure that it mirrors some of the real life experiences of the MOMA visitors.

Also, I enjoyed the author's technique of blending fictional and real life characters so much that I'm going to seek out more books like it.

Arky Levin, on the surface, has led a pristine life. Until now, that is. Women sitting at his table (at an awards banquet) are overheard - "Her instructions...", can't leave her like that...he's abandoned her..." remain in Arky's mind from the night before. He couldn't concentrate so he decided to visit the Museum of Modern Art in New York City - where Arky lives. At one exhibition, he sees two women just staring at each other - unmoving. This is in the museum's atrium. He hears tourists murmur, "Is that all that happens? She just sits?" At closing, he hears, "Day 23." Arky meets Jane Miller at the exhibit - Jane's husband had recently died. They go for a friendly dinner and we find that Arky Levin is a talented musician who wrote the scores for a number of motion pictures. Yet, he feels like a turn-coat, abandoner, coward. We don't know why, yet.

Swimming in sensations, Marina, the artist sitting at the exhibit, is unmoving, gazing into the eyes of strangers - for a planned 75 day of the exhibit run.


Lydia, Arky's wife, is a celebrated architect, but unfortunately, she has a debilitating illness and is in and out of hospitals. She is now in a nursing home with a prognosis that she will never walk or talk again. She has had legal paperwork drawn up so Arky does not visit - that he be able to compose his music. Only their daughter is allowed to visit her. This, strangely, gives Arky mixed feelings.


Arky continues to visit the art museum. Jane has also struck up a friendship with a student, Britt, who is attending the exhibition for her PhD thesis source material. She makes a comment that "everything (here) is about exposure."


Arky begins working on a new musical score. He visits with his daughter, Alice, and the tension is always there.

Alice agrees to go to Marina's exhibit with her father, The reader finds out just how twisted Marina's past exhibitions have been. Regardless, Marina's fans begin to line up for the "gazing" (or just to view) at the museum. It becomes cloudy, but is there a connection between Danica (Marina's mom)/ Marina & Lydia/Alice?


Is there a community feeling among all of the participants and watchers? Perhaps. And perhaps this has something to do with art...


On day 74, Arky decides to stand in line to see Marina. As they stare at each other, he begins to realize his role with Lydia. It is about commitment, remembering - and being fearless about what only he can do.


After a triumphant 75 days for Marina, Arky takes off to see his wife at the nursing home. She studies the sea as he talks to her - her hand limp in his grasp. He tells Lydia that "there is no one who matters more to me than you...this is our moment."

Lydia shifts her gaze at Arky as if she is reaching out. He thinks, "I will take it."

Knowing that Marina was an actual artistic personality makes the story more and more real. The characters are easy to understand due to effective writing. The book, itself, makes one look inside and just ponder their life. Entertaining. Enjoyable. All around excellent read. Recommend!

Many thanks to Algonquin Publishers and NetGalley for a good read!