Ulay
author · photographer
Frank Uwe Laysiepen (born November 30, 1943 – died March 2, 2020), known professionally as Ulay, was a German artist based in Amsterdam and Ljubljana. He received international recognition for his Polaroid art and collaborative performance art with longtime companion Marina Abramović. In the early 1970s, he moved to Amsterdam where he began experimenting with Polaroid film. From 1976 to 1988, he lived and performed with Abramović in a series of 'relation works' that explored duality, gender identity, and physical limits. After their separation in 1988, Ulay continued his solo practice, focusing on installations, video art, and audience participation.[1,2]
Themes
- performance art
- Polaroid art
- duality
- gender identity
- relational aesthetics
Books
Works by Ulay
- 30 November 1979 · Harlekin Art · book · English, German ISBN 3883000043 Photobook documenting performances held in Amsterdam and Wiesbaden.
- Modus Vivendi 1985 · performance Collaborative performance with Marina Abramović.
Exhibitions
- 2025 Art Vital Cukrarna Gallery, Ljubljana solo
Awards
- 1982 ars viva
- 1984 The San Sebastian Video Award




