Rhythm 0 Repack -

Advanced Topics in Performance Art and Social Psychology Date: April 14, 2026

The rules were simple: Abramovic would remain still and silent, and the audience would dictate the actions. The goal was to explore the boundaries between artist and audience, and to see how people would react when given complete control over another person's body. rhythm 0

Abramović’s refusal to react—no flinch, no scream, no plea—created a terrifying cognitive dissonance. Humans rely on feedback loops to regulate aggression. When a child cries, we stop. When an animal whimpers, we pause. Abramović broke the loop. By remaining a “thing,” she inadvertently invited the audience to treat her as a thing. The tears in her eyes were real, but without a movement to escape, the audience rationalized: She must want this. Advanced Topics in Performance Art and Social Psychology

Rhythm 0 is often taught alongside the and Milgram’s obedience studies (1963) . However, Abramović’s work offers a crucial distinction: there was no authority figure demanding obedience. The audience was self-authorizing. Humans rely on feedback loops to regulate aggression

"There are 72 objects on the table that one can use on me as desired. I am the object. During this period I take full responsibility."