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Hermann Nitsch — Relic of the 50th Action
Hermann Nitsch

Relic of the 50th Action

A visceral and ritualistic work by Austrian actionist Hermann Nitsch, this relic serves as a physical remnant and testament to one of his notorious performance actions, in which blood, paint, and organic matter were central elements. Rooted in Nitsch's Orgien Mysterien Theater, the piece embodies his exploration of primal catharsis, sacrifice, and sensory excess. As a relic, it carries the charged energy of the live event, transforming raw material into a sacred, quasi-religious artifact.

🔨 Auction Lot

Contemporary Art Day Sale

October 17, 2013

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About this work

Hermann Nitsch, Relic of the 50th Action

A visceral and ritualistic work by Austrian actionist Hermann Nitsch, this relic serves as a physical remnant and testament to one of his notorious performance actions, in which blood, paint, and organic matter were central elements. Rooted in Nitsch's Orgien Mysterien Theater, the piece embodies his exploration of primal catharsis, sacrifice, and sensory excess. As a relic, it carries the charged energy of the live event, transforming raw material into a sacred, quasi-religious artifact.

Seen at
Phillips, New York, London, Hong Kong

Related themes

20th-Century Art, Performance Derived Work, Dark And Intense, 20th Century, Blood And Sacrifice, Vienna Actionism, Avant-Garde Pioneer, Male Artist, Found Object, Reliquary Object, Mixed Media, Performance Art Relic, Relic Object, Ritual Imagery, Ritualistic Art, Actionism, Ceremonial Artifact, Austrian Artist, Raw And Visceral, Avant-Garde Artist, Ritual Art, Dark And Visceral, Provocative Artwork

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