Artist Martine Gutierrez's Controversial Paris Photo Performance

Gutierrez's 'Lottery' event at the prestigious art fair left her milk-soaked, semi-nude, and escorted off stage by security.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Last November, artist and actress Martine Gutierrez was invited to give a lecture at the Paris Photo fair. Instead, she opted for a performance piece called 'Lottery' where audience members with winning tickets were given control of her camera and directed her to pose in increasingly promiscuous ways. After 60 minutes of the audience capturing over 700 images of Gutierrez in compromising positions, including being milk-soaked, semi-eyebrow-less, and semi-nude, fair security intervened and escorted her off stage.

Why it matters

Gutierrez's performance piece explored themes of control, access, and the vulnerability of the artist. By ceding control to the audience, she aimed to push the boundaries of her practice and challenge perceptions around the relationship between artist and viewer. However, the event sparked controversy, with some audience members feeling uncomfortable with the level of audience participation and Gutierrez's willingness to be degraded.

The details

For the 'Lottery' performance, Gutierrez set up an auditorium space at the Paris Photo fair with a camera on a tripod connected to a large LED screen. As audience members entered, they were each given an envelope containing a number. If their number was called, they were invited to the front and given the camera's remote control, directing Gutierrez to pose however they wished. The stunts grew increasingly promiscuous, with Gutierrez being asked to spank herself, remove her bra, and even call her mother and claim she had been kidnapped. After 60 minutes, fair security intervened, draping a trench coat over Gutierrez's bare shoulders and escorting her off stage.

  • On November 10, 2025, Gutierrez performed 'Lottery' at the Paris Photo fair.
  • The performance lasted approximately 60 minutes before being shut down by fair security.

The players

Martine Gutierrez

An artist and actress known for her provocative and performative work exploring themes of identity, control, and the relationship between artist and viewer.

Paris Photo

The world's largest and most prestigious art fair dedicated to the photographic medium, held annually in Paris.

Fraenkel Gallery

Gutierrez's gallery, which arranged for her to have a lecture event at the 2025 Paris Photo fair.

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What they’re saying

“I was so turned on by the humiliation.”

— Martine Gutierrez, Artist (Interview Magazine)

“I don't want to be beholden to a three sentence description of what my practice is for the rest of my life. I want to get out of my comfort zone.”

— Martine Gutierrez, Artist (Interview Magazine)

What’s next

Gutierrez's performance piece at Paris Photo has generated significant buzz, and her upcoming exhibition at Ryan Lee Gallery in New York City will feature a curated selection of 16 images from the 700 captured during the event. The show is scheduled to open on the last Thursday of the month.

The takeaway

Gutierrez's 'Lottery' performance at Paris Photo pushed the boundaries of artistic control and audience participation, sparking controversy but also revealing the artist's desire to challenge perceptions and explore new creative frontiers. The event highlights the complex and sometimes uncomfortable dynamics between artists and their audiences in an era of increasing public scrutiny.