Final answer:
The essential element of Marina Abramovic and Ulay’s “Imponderabilia” is Audience interaction, which involves and relies on the audience's presence as part of the artwork.
Step-by-step explanation:
An essential element of performance works such as Marina Abramovic and Ulay’s “Imponderabilia” is Audience interaction. Performance art, including pieces from the 1970s like “Imponderabilia,” characteristically involves the viewer's presence and frequently demands their participation in some manner. Revisiting Abramovic's other work such as “The Artist is Present,” where she exchanges silent glances with visitors, also highlights the significance of audience interaction in her performance pieces. This element distinguishes performance art from other art forms by weaving the viewer into the fabric of the artwork, creating a unique and dynamic experience that encompasses both action and contingency.
“Imponderabilia” directly engaged the audience by positioning them in a situation that required physical interaction with the artists, thus elevating the concept of performance and body art beyond static interpretation. It made the viewers, or participants, an integral component of the piece, bridging the gap between artist and audience and challenging conventional boundaries.