The Top 6–10 Most Shocking Events in the History of Modern Art

The history of modern art is replete with events that go beyond mere aesthetic expression to break down social, political and cultural boundaries. These events have redefined the very nature of art and transformed public perception. Below is a detailed look at some of the most provocative and fascinating events in the history of modern art.

10. Chris Ofili’s *The Virgin and Child* (1996): A depiction of the Virgin Mary on elephant dung

Black artist Chris Ofili incorporated elephant dung into a work depicting the Virgin Mary. This piece faced intense backlash in the United States, including pressure to withdraw it from exhibition and attempts to vandalise it, highlighting the acute conflict between religion and artistic freedom. It is regarded as a work that embodies the physicality of contemporary Black artists and a critique of colonialism.

9. The shredding of Banksy’s *Girl with Balloon* (2018): Art that self-destructed at auction

Banksy’s *Girl with a Balloon* was automatically shredded inside its frame the moment it was sold at auction for 1.5 billion won.

This incident has been interpreted as a ‘satire on consumable art’, and ironically, the work’s value has since risen even further. The title was also changed to *Love is in the Bin* and the work was re-certified.

뱅크시 당하다 (Banksy-ed)!

8. Marina Abramović’s *Rhythm 0* (1974): The audience harms the artist

Marina Abramović presented a performance in which she left herself defenceless for six hours, allowing the audience to act as they wished.

Seventy-two objects, including knives, scissors and a gun, were provided, and dangerous situations arose towards the end, such as when a member of the audience actually aimed a gun at her. This performance is regarded as an artistic experiment demonstrating that ‘humans can be violent to any degree, given the right circumstances’.

몸과 정신을 탐구하는 퍼포먼스의 거장-마리나 아브라모비치(Марина Абрамовић)

7. Maurizio Cattelan’s *Banana Tape* (2019): A piece of fruit worth 100 million won

Maurizio Cattelan caused a major stir in the art world by selling a single banana taped to a wall for 120,000 dollars (approximately 150 million won).

Subsequently, an incident occurred in which a visitor ate the banana, reigniting the debate over ‘What is the essence of art?’. This work sent shockwaves through Art Basel Miami.

6. Judy Chicago’s *The Dinner Party* (1979): Bringing Women’s History to the Table

Judy Chicago presented *The Dinner Party*, an installation featuring the names of 600 women and plates symbolising the female genitalia arranged around a triangular table.

This work was a declarative statement that women’s history, too, could be art; initially, it faced fierce backlash, including accusations of obscenity and refusals to exhibit it. It is now part of the permanent collection at the Brooklyn Museum in the United States and is being re-evaluated as a symbol of feminist art.

페미니즘의 아이콘-주디 시카고(Judy Chicago)