Childbirth As “Performance Art”
In a time where reality shows are considered entertainment, I guess it would only follow for self absorbed people to take things to the next level, such as a woman who gave birth to a baby at a Brooklyn art gallery.
Personally, I think reality shows are for idiots. Why should I, or anyone else with half a brain, care about a typical day in the life of a former Playboy centerfold, or a group of no talent, slutty sisters, each wearing ten pounds of makeup, whose late father defended OJ Simpson? But I guess it should be obvious by now that many people have a voyeuristic streak, which is why reality shows are so popular. I guess that also explains why someone would go to see this woman giving birth in an art gallery.
Now on another note, why is it that some of these pregnant women become total exhibitionists? Granted, children are usually a blessing. But how does this woman translate that into thinking that strangers will want to come see her swollen naked body, and her stretched out labia? (For that matter, I don’t understand pregnant women having their husbands join them in the delivery room either.)
Anyway, here’s what Marni Kotak had to say:
Marni Kotak, 36, planned the very public end to her pregnancy at Microscope Gallery in Bushwick on Tuesday, witnessed by about 20 spectators, as a bit of performance art.
“The overall message that we will communicate to the child,” she told the Associated Press, “is that he or she was born in an art gallery because, as artists, that is our sacred space, and in doing this we are telling the world and our child that his or her life is a precious work of art.”
It’s the latest in a strange string of stunts by Kotak, including re-enactments of her own birth, her grandfather’s funeral and losing her virginity in the back of a blue Plymouth.
{snip}
As part of the performance artwork, entitled “The Birth of Baby X,” Kotak videotaped the event-a film that will later be added to gallery’s upcoming exhibition.
“It’s a healthy baby boy!” read a message posted on the gallery’s website last night under the title heading, “BABY X HAS ARRIVED.”
The concept piece began Oct. 8, with Kotak hanging out at the gallery, talking up visitors about motherhood and art, among other things.
Those who left their contact information behind with her were then notified when she went into labor so they could attend the birth.
The “artwork” included the transformation of much of the gallery into a de factor delivery ward, complete with soothing, ocean blue-colored walls and photo-imprinted pillows.




