A Shocking First Encounter

Exhibitions Firsts Ontario Street Performance Visitors

Marjorie Susman recounts her first experience at the MCA.

We lived in a temporary apartment above Neiman Marcus, that building, until our apartment was together. So, you know, in wandering around, immediately found the MCA. And the first time my husband and I went to visit, I remember we walked in. It was over on Ontario. And it was quite small. And it just sort of was happening. And we walked in, and there was someone lying on the floor. And my husband goes, "Oh my god! We've got to get some help! Somebody's passed out here." And I said, "Shh. Don't worry about it. It's performance art." And that was my first experience with it.

Chris Burden, Doomed, 1975. Installation view, Bodyworks, MCA Chicago, Mar 8–Apr 27, 1975. Photo © MCA Chicago.

Chris Burden, Doomed, 1975. Installation view, Bodyworks, MCA Chicago, Mar 8–Apr 27, 1975. Photo © MCA Chicago.

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