“ Bert Gilbert who has a ritualistic and metaphysical approach to materials has created a series of sculptures using formerly discarded animal pelts that she has
painted with intricate symbolic designs hung on tree branches. With a similar affinity with nature and organic materials “
There is a current tendency for some artists to look beyond everyday reality into the realms of the metaphysical incorporating elements of myth, alchemy, animism, folklore and ritual into their practice. The premise behind the curatorial concept that artists have taken on the role of shamans in contemporary society is purely metaphorical rather than literal. Shamanism can be defined as a universal phenomenon that relato humanity’s relationship to spirituality through nature with its roots in the cultures of indigenous peoples across the world. These mystical spiritual practices have their origins in parts of Siberia, Australia, Africa and the Americas as well as pre-modern Europe. Like shamanism, art can be a calling, a means of exploring non-ordinary states of consciousness as if in communion with an external force or ‘spirit’. The creation of a work of art can sometimes involve a process of metamorphosis, insights, visions and dreams, in a quest for life’s deeper meaning.
This diverse collection of international artists using the mediums of drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation are in tune with a new sensibility that also embraces aspects of ecology, sustainability and futurism. These works can evoke our connection with the natural world and help us to feel part of an all-inclusive collective vision of our ancestor’s bond with nature. Shamanism cares for the well- being of both nature and human nature, and their inter-relationship, a quality that many artists also strive to capture in their work. Although there is a common misconception that nature is an autonomous entity existing independent from the human race, we are of course all part of nature. The artist’s observation and understanding of nature tends to relate to an understanding of human nature, and of the human condition within nature.
By applying aspects of shamanism to the contemporary, artists express an awareness of nature’s dual enigmatic force and fragility. Shamanism relates to humanity’s relationship to art and spirituality and is traditionally used to communicate with unseen forces for the purpose of divination and healing. there is also the notion that animals and certain plants have a spirit that is alive and conscious, so shamans sometimes wear animal masks to invoke metaphysical powers through the inherent forces of nature. Shamanism can also involve the magical transformation of humans into animals, prophetic dreams, and interaction with the souls of the dead. Shamans are seers who are believed to be endowed with profound spiritual insight or knowledge and possess intuitive powers with an ability to prophesy future events. Despite its suppression and stigmatization in the West, shamanism still exists around the world and age-old rituals continue to be passed down from generation to generation and are still performed even in some European agrarian societies to bring fertility as well as to engender harmony and well-being in village communities.
KUNST THE CLOWN & FRIENDS at GALLERY 46
A group show of international artists invited by KUNST the CLOWN. Curated by PAUL SAKOILSKY & GALLERY46
