Artist 'felt indescribable pain' moments before self-crucifixion performance went horribly wrong
Warning: this article discusses assault and topics that some readers may find distressing.
The story of artist Marina Abramovic is quite an unbelievable one, as is the story of this particular London artist.
We know that Abramovic allowed the public free rein of her body for six hours as part of a controversial performance art piece.
Sounds like most people's worst nightmare, right? And as willing to trust humanity as Abramovic was, it didn't turn out well for her by any means.
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Those who wanted to be involved had one simple task: there were 72 objects laid out in front of Abramovic and they could 'use' the items on her as they desired, while she wouldn't move her body for six hours in what she called 'Rhythm 0'.
Abramovic said she would take 'full responsibility' no matter what anyone did.
The artist got into quite the predicament as a knife was stuck between her legs, while parts of her clothing were ripped off her.
Just when you think an artist's experience couldn't get any worse, enter the story Sebastian Horsley.
Horsley, an artist and notorious sex columnist back in the day, only did things in extremes.
The artist was certainly far from your ordinary bloke, with the focus of his drawing room being an extensive collection of human skulls.
He also fell into drug-induced bouts of paranoia and misanthropy, something he was not afraid to discuss through his work.
Perhaps his most shocking move came when he decided to send one of his turds in a gilded Tiffany box to a woman who many believe pushed back his advances.
I know, really.
In August 2000, Horsley travelled to the Philippines to experience a crucifixion, something done to prepare for a series of paintings on the topic.
Paying $2,500 for the privilege, Horsley had a team of locals hammer five-inch nails through his wrists and ankles.
Refusing pain killers, the artist was nailed to a cross and passed out.
The foot rest ultimately broke and Horsley only avoided serious injury by being caught by onlookers.
He would later recall the 'indescribable pain' of the ordeal.
Meanwhile, Horsley also said he felt a rush of hallucinogenic endorphins before he lost consciousness.
While he survived that experience, it's fair to say Horsley had a bit of an obsession with death.
For example, he slept with a loaded pistol by his bedside so that he might accidentally pick it up thinking it was a phone and shoot himself.
The artist was found dead in his flat in London in June 2010.
He was just 47-years-old.
Topics: Art
Callum Jones