Shia LaBeouf's #IAMSORRY Stunt: Artist Marina Abramovic Calls the Whole Thing "Manipulative"

Original The Artist Is Present performer sounds off on actor's bizarre antics

By Brett Malec Feb 13, 2014 9:37 PMTags
Shia LaBeouf, Marina AbramovicGetty Images, Splash News

Marina Abramovic is sounding off on Shia LaBeouf's odd antics.

LaBeouf, who set up his #IAMSORRY art exhibit at L.A.'s Cohen Gallery this week where visitors can observe him sitting and crying in a room, has been called out for copying Abramovic, who originally did the same performance art with her famed 2010 The Artist Is Present exhibit.

"First of all, I can't think that this is directly related to me," Abramovic told Vulture. "He has a paper bag on his head, is that right? I'm very happy people are inspired by [my] work, but this is not the same work. I don't see it as anything to do with me."

Splash News

"It's so manipulative, and it's so complicated to answer," she continued. "It's very interesting to me that the Hollywood world wanted to go back to performance, which is something so different than what they are doing. Maybe they need our experience; maybe they need simplicity; maybe they need to be connected to [the] direct public, which, you know, being a Hollywood actor doesn't permit you."

"I don't know [LaBeouf]'s reasons," Abramovic continued. "We have to ask him."

LaBeouf set up his #IAMSORRY earlier this week as a sort of apology for plagiarizing one of author Daniel Clowes' graphic novellas for his short film HowardCantour.com.

"Shia LaBeouf is sorry. Sincerely sorry," read a release for his exhibit. "He will be in situ at 7354 Beverly Boulevard for the duration. Implements will be provided. Free admission."

Continuing with his string of odd behavior, LaBeouf posed on the red carpet at last week's International Film Festival Berlinale with a paper bag over his head that read, "I Am Not Famous Anymore."