The article highlights the audacious performances of Lee Bul, a South Korean artist known for her unconventional approaches to addressing themes of vulnerability and societal oppression through her art. One striking performance involved her hanging upside down while reciting the struggles of women who have undergone abortions, serving as both a tribute and a critique of the guilt and pain experienced by these individuals. The physically intense nature of her performances often drives audience members to intervene, illustrating the powerful impact she has on those who witness her work.

Another notable moment discussed is her performance in which Lee Bul donned a heavy red sculpture resembling grotesque body parts, wandering the bustling streets of Tokyo while handing out promotional flyers. The performance juxtaposes the disturbing visual imagery with a casual, almost humorous demeanor, challenging the norms of authority and conformity. This blend of shock and engagement is a consistent element in her approach, using the body and its limitations as both a tool of expression and a way to provoke thought and dialogue about societal expectations and personal identity.

The retrospective encapsulates nearly five decades of Lee Bul's artistic journey, underlining her defiance against established norms in the art world and her commitment to exploring the dualities of existence through decay and renewal. Her use of physicality, organic materiality, and confrontational performance methods reflect her deep-seated belief in art as a vehicle for societal critique and personal expression, making her a significant figure in contemporary art.