In this poignant reflection, Marina Abramovic shares her memories of her friendship with Susan Sontag during the latter’s final years. She describes a somber atmosphere at Sontag's funeral in Montparnasse, Paris, noting how the weather and the sparsely attended ceremony contrasted sharply with Sontag’s vibrant personality and zest for life.
The quote delves into the stark contradiction between an individual’s exuberant existence and the quietness of their passing. Abramovic highlights a profound sense of loss and irony; despite Susan Sontag's undeniable influence and passionate engagement with life, her departure was marked by a subdued, rainy day in a Parisian cemetery. This juxtaposition underscores the impermanence of human vitality and the often stark reality that even the most dynamic personalities leave behind only memories and a small gathering at their passing. It also reflects on how those who embrace life fully can still face an ending that feels incongruous with their impact on others.
Marina Abramovic is a renowned performance artist known for her provocative and physically demanding works that explore themes of endurance, presence, and the limits of human perception. Her reflections often intertwine personal experiences with broader existential questions, making this quote a thoughtful meditation on the nature of life and death.
