Exclusive | Raunchy art show with 12-foot penises by Marina Abramović coming to contested Park Avenue Armory as bigwigs fight to evict child group

The Park Avenue Armory has been embroiled in controversy for years, with recent developments causing even more uproar. Despite attempts to evict child cadets from their building, the Armory is set to showcase Marina Abramović’s provocative show, “Balkan Erotic Epic,” featuring graphic depictions of 12-foot penises, open orifices, and explicit rituals.

Abramović, who also sits on the Armory’s board of directors, has faced criticism for the explicit nature of her performance art. The show, which premiered in the UK last month, includes scenes of fertility rituals, giant penises, and women exposing themselves in various ways. Critics have described it as vainglorious and vacuous, filled with soft-porn cliches.

Despite the mixed reviews, the Armory is enthusiastic about the show and has already started selling tickets for the US debut in December 2026. However, the choice to showcase such controversial art has raised concerns about the organization’s priorities and values. Some have questioned whether the Armory is using public funds appropriately, given its focus on edgy and explicit performances.

The controversy surrounding Abramović is nothing new. The artist gained notoriety in 1974 for a performance where she allowed strangers to do whatever they wanted to her for six hours. Since then, she has been involved in various scandals, including questions about missing donations and allegations of satanic rituals.

The decision to showcase “Balkan Erotic Epic” at the Armory has sparked outrage among community members, who feel that the organization is prioritizing shock value over its commitment to the community. As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how the Armory will address the concerns raised by its choice of programming.