Ulay
Ulay (Frank Uwe Laysiepen, Solingen, 1943) is a formally trained as a photographer who has used the photographic medium to ‘provoke’ audiences through various performances, workshops and lecture-performances, address the position of marginalized individuals in contemporary society, and examine nationalism and its symbols. From 1976 to 1988, he collaborated with Marina Abramović on numerous Relation Works performances; their work focused on questioning perceived masculine and feminine traits and pushing the physical limits of the body. In recent years, Ulay’s practice has been focused on raising awareness and understanding of water. Ulay’s works, as well as his collaborations with Marina Abramović, are featured in many collections of major art institutions around the world such as Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam; Centre Pompidou Paris; Museum of Modern Art New York. He lives and works in Ljubljana and Amsterdam.
![](https://centerforthehumanities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ulay_copyright-Primoz-Korosec-scaled.jpg)