The Influence of Shamanism in

Contemporary Art and Media.

Name – Jetti Eeshwar Kaartikeya Reddy

Course – Arts 201 (Exploring Arts, Understanding Culture)

Word Count - 2472

Table of Contents
Introduction...................................................................................... 3
How Has Shamanism Influenced Art............................................................5
Shamanism Through The Lens Of Art...........................................................7
Case Studies...................................................................................... 9
Case Study 1: Ernesto Neto – Immersive Healing Spaces...........................................9
Case Study 2: Marina Abramović – Performance As Ritual.......................................11
Case Study 3: Exhuma - How Shamanistic Elements Are Used In Cinematic Art...............13
Conclusion......................................................................................15
Citations.........................................................................................16
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Introduction

Art goes beyond mere representation of ideas or form, it can be thought of as a blank canvas that

encompasses a vast variety of elements. Now, whether these elements take on a distinct shape to

convey a clear message or remain formless is up to to the creator, art invites conversation and

interaction, provoking deeper emotions and introspection. It is a dynamic, ever-evolving

dialogue that transcends logic and language, reshaping itself depending on who engages with it.

When art is structured, it guides viewers toward a specific interpretation, when it is abstract, it

opens up the possibility for individual experiences, allowing each person to bring their own

perspective and emotions into play. In this sense, art comes to life, shifting and transforming with

its audience, making it an ongoing conversation rather than merely something pretty on a canvas.

This relationship between art and the viewer, where art becomes a medium that transports the

viewer to another space, mirrors another profound interaction in human history, that of the

shaman and the spiritual world. A shaman, traditionally found in many indigenous cultures, is a

spiritual intermediary who connects the human world with energies around them.

Shamans are believed to realign these energies through rituals and trances, facilitating healing

and balance within the world around them. Shamanism is grounded in the belief that everything

in the world, both living and non-living, is interconnected by energy, and that these energies must

be aligned for harmony to exist. In many ways, the artist serves a similar role, not merely as a

creator but as a mediator, tapping into unseen sources of inspiration and emotion, guiding their

audience to deeper understanding and interaction.

In this research paper, I aim to explore the relationship between shamanism and art, and how

they influence one another. Using case studies of influential artists who have drawn inspiration

from shamanistic practices, such as Joseph Beuys and Ernesto Neto, as well as the South Korean

horror movie Exhuma, I will examine how shamanism has shaped their work and the ways in

which they engage with audiences.

How Has Shamanism Influenced Art

The influence of shamanism in art stretches back to prehistoric times, with its roots deeply

embedded in the spiritual and ritualistic practices of early human societies. However, it was the

German artist Joseph Beuys who brought this ancient tradition into the spotlight of modern art.

Beuys also known as the “shaman of art” is well regarded for his unique incorporation of

elements of shamanism with contemporary artistic practices to transformative experiences for his

audience. create

Joseph Beuys's work revolved around the idea of helping society recover from the traumas of

World War II. His performances and installations often used natural materials like felt and fat,

which he infused with symbolic meaning, reflecting his belief in art's power to heal and

transform. In his performance How to Explain Pictures to a Dead Hare (1965), Beuys engaged in

a ritualistic dialogue with a dead animal, symbolizing a spiritual connection that transcends

conventional communication.

By adopting the persona of a shaman, Beuys introduced a new dimension to the artistic

landscape, merging physical artistic spaces with shamanic elements to create ritualistic

experiences that were both bizarre and unique at the time. This approach resonated with

audiences, tapping into a collective yearning for spiritual transformation and critiquing over-

intellectualization. The performance was regarded as bizarre because it used a hare as a metaphor

for intuitive knowledge, highlighting art's potential for spiritual transformation and influencing a

generation of artists to explore similar themes.

Beuys emphasized the artist's role as a mediator between the material and spiritual realms, akin

to a shaman guiding individuals through transformative experiences. This perspective

encouraged artists to view their practice as an avenue for healing and societal change,

challenging conventional power structures and promoting emotional and spiritual engagement.

His integration of shamanic practices into art inspired others to explore the intersection of art and

spirituality, fostering a deeper connection with audiences and encouraging them to engage with

art on an instinctual level. The influence of Beuys's shamanic approach can be seen in

contemporary art movements that prioritize ritualistic and transformative experiences. Many

artists after him, like Ernesto Neto and Marina Abramović, have drawn from shamanic traditions,

incorporating elements that evoke spiritual contemplation and personal transformation.

Much of art has always contained a ritualistic experience, giving it a flow-like state, and it has

innately drawn shamanic elements into it, perhaps due to this very flow-like state. However,

shamanism itself can be viewed through the lens of art; the entire process, from the elements to

the artifacts and the act, can be considered an art form.

Shamanism Through The Lens Of Art

The shamanic process is that of a spiritual and ritualistic journey that begins with a clear

intention, guiding the entire experience. Central to the ritual are rhythmic elements like

drumming or rattling at theta wave frequencies, which help induce a trance-like state. This is

followed by the crafting of sacred objects and symbolic acts, each representing the insights

gained from the journey. The creation of a spiritual dome, marked by symbolic pillars or animals,

further deepens the sacredness of the space, enhancing the connection between the physical and

spiritual realms.

The entire process can be seen as a rather destructive and chaotic art form that throws everything

out of place. However, amidst all this chaos and destruction lies the art itself: all the elements in

the ritual paint a spiritual landscape that mirrors that of an artist's canvas. From the totems used

to the rhythmic drumming, everything serves as an artistic tool aimed at shaping this formless,

shapeless art that acts as a medium for deeper meaning or spiritual insight.

This mirrors John Berger’s concept in Ways of Seeing, where he emphasizes that art is not just a

representation of the world but a way of transforming our understanding of reality. In the

shamanic process, the ritual elements similarly transform the participant’s perception, allowing

them to engage with the spiritual realm as if it were a blank canvas, where each symbolic act and

crafted object serves to convey something beyond the material world. This aligns with Berger’s

idea that what we see is shaped by cultural contexts, and in shamanism, it is the spiritual context

that gives meaning to these artistic forms. To further explore this intersection between

shamanism and art, the following case studies illustrate how contemporary artists draw on
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shamanic practices to create works that blur the lines between spiritual experience and artistic

expression.
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Case Studies

Case Study 1: Ernesto Neto – Immersive Healing Spaces

Ernesto Neto is a Brazilian contemporary artist renowned for his immersive installations that

evoke the essence of sacred spaces reminiscent of indigenous ceremonies. One of his notable

works, Cura Bra Cura Té engages participants in a healing process through the use of aromatic

spices and textiles that create a multisensory experience, emphasizing the interconnectedness of

body, mind, and spirit. Similarly, Um Sagrado Lugar invites viewers into a sacred realm that

fosters contemplation and connection, where the space itself acts as a participant in the ritual.

Through these installations, audiences are invited to transcend their everyday experiences,

entering a realm of profound introspection and transformation.

Neto’s installations serve as sacred spaces that cleanse energies and isolate participants from the

distractions of the outside world, allowing them to connect with their inner selves. This artistic

approach aligns with bell hooks' emphasis on culture as a means of fostering belonging and

identity. By creating immersive experiences, Neto enables viewers to explore their own

narratives and emotional landscapes, reinforcing the notion that art can be a vehicle for personal

and collective healing.

Moreover, John Berger’s Ways of Seeing conveys that art acts as a transformative lens through

which we can reshape our understanding of reality. Neto’s work exemplifies this by encouraging

participants to engage with their spiritual dimensions. The research paper The Role of

Shamanism in Mesoamerican Art: A Reassessment further underscores the significance of

shamanic practices in shaping artistic expression across cultures. Ths paper goes about to talk
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about how such rituals have historically influenced art, imbuing it with layers of meaning that

resonate with spiritual and cultural contexts.

His immersive installations demonstrate how space is utilized as a form of ritual to cleanse and

create an artistic peace that immerses those participating in it. By transforming art into a form of

ritual, it can be inferred that both shamanism and art act as powerful mediums for expressing the

mysterious aspects of human experience, enriching our understanding of ourselves and our

connection to the world around us. Through this interplay, Neto's work illustrates how art can

transcend traditional boundaries to create sacred spaces for spiritual exploration and healing.
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Case Study 2: Marina Abramović – Performance As Ritual

Marina Abramović, a Serbian performance artist, has created many impactful works that

primarily explore the limits of the body and mind, endurance, and the relationship between

performer and audience. While her work is not directly related to shamanism, it often

incorporates shamanic elements, transforming the performance space into a site of ritualistic

significance. One of her most controversial pieces, "Spirit Cooking," utilizes symbolic actions

and substances such as blood and milk to create what she describes as "recipes" for spiritual

experiences, reflecting themes of nourishment and transformation. Similarly, in her renowned

work "Balkan Baroque," she scrubbed cow bones for several days, offering a poignant

commentary on ethnic cleansing in the Balkans.

Through these performances, Abramović ventures into the themes of shamanism: healing and

transformation. Her use of visceral materials and physically demanding actions resonates with

shamanic practices that seek to heal emotional and spiritual wounds. According to researcher

Miguel A. B. de Almeida, Abramović's work acts as a form of spiritual initiation, reminiscent of

shamanic rituals designed to evoke personal and collective catharsis. By confronting the

audience with the rawness of her experiences, she invites them to reflect on their own suffering

and resilience, mirroring the shaman's role as a mediator between the physical and spiritual

realms. This interplay between art and shamanism is further explored in the paper "Marina

Abramović: Reconsidering the Shamanic" (2020), which emphasizes how her performances can

evoke profound spiritual and emotional experiences.

This case study highlights how shamanic elements are frequently incorporated into art to make

bold social commentaries. Shamanism, with its steadfast connection to tradition and cultural
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identity, often conveys a sense of resistance against change. Additionally, the healing rituals

central to shamanic practices are used metaphorically by artists to confront and address societal

issues, emphasizing transformation and renewal.

Case Study 3: Exhuma - How Shamanistic Elements Are Used In Cinematic Art

Exhuma is a 2024 South Korean horror film that centers around shamanism, energy rituals, and

the repercussions when these practices go awry. The representation of shamanism has

transformed significantly over time, especially in contemporary media and art. Traditionally,

shamanism has been viewed through a mystical lens, often characterized by its connection to

nature and spirituality, where shamans act as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual

realms. However, modern interpretations frequently blend these traditional aspects with

contemporary themes, addressing societal anxieties and exploring the complexities of human

existence.

In Exhuma, shamanism is depicted not only as a cultural practice but also as a narrative device

that critiques modern society’s relationship with spirituality and the environment. The film

illustrates how the misuse of shamanistic practices can lead to catastrophic consequences,

emphasizing the delicate balance between respect for ancient traditions and the dangers of

commodifying them. Through its artistic cinematography and atmospheric storytelling, Exhuma

reflects the shifting perceptions of shamanism in contemporary culture, portraying it as both a

source of healing and a catalyst for horror.

The film serves as a commentary on the intersection of shamanism and modernity, illustrating

how ancient beliefs can be recontextualized to explore contemporary issues such as

environmental degradation and the loss of cultural identity as showcased in the film.

This case study demonstrates how shamanism has evolved over time in contemporary media,

shifting from its traditional roots into a complex symbol that engages with modernity. This
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evolution reflects how media representations of cultural traditions are reshaped to resonate with

present-day audiences, often merging spiritual themes with current social and political contexts.

Drawing from the research paper Contemporary Media Representations of Race and the

Reshaping of the College Classroom Experience, we see that modern media tends to reinterpret

traditional cultural practices in ways that not only highlight their historical significance but also

allow them to serve as powerful tools for commentary on current societal structures. In the case

of shamanism, this means moving beyond simple exoticism or mysticism, engaging instead with

themes that commodify everything. In doing so, contemporary media, such as Exhuma,

repurposes shamanism as a vehicle for addressing modern fears and uncertainties, while also

highlighting the tension between ancient wisdom and modern exploitation.

Conclusion

To conclude, shamanism and art share an intriguing relationship, both spiritually and practically.

They both tap into a space of alternate consciousness where they interact with elements, guiding

them to form or manifest something—or sometimes, nothing at all. The shaman embodies the

artist, the scientist, and the healer, uniting these roles into a singular being of caregiving and

creativity. Throughout this essay, the versatile relationship between shamanism and art has been

explored, from art incorporating shamanic elements to represent bold themes, to the notion of

shamanism as an art form in itself. Moreover, the evolving representation of shamanism in

contemporary media further highlights its adaptability and cultural relevance over time.

Ultimately, this exploration reveals how both shamanism and art transcend boundaries to create

spaces for healing, transformation, and reflection. Whether through the sacred installations of

Ernesto Neto, the endurance performances of Marina Abramović, or the haunting depiction of

shamanic rituals in the film Exhuma, the fusion of shamanism and art serves as a powerful

means to address societal issues, explore human consciousness, and engage with the spiritual and

material world. Through this fusion, both shamanism and art invite us to question, heal, and see

the world from new perspectives, forging a deeper understanding of ourselves and the forces that

shape our existence.

Citations

"Can Art be a Shamanic Practice? (with Alex Grey)” YouTube, [Link]/watch?

v=_36iNMTHTg4.

" Imaani Jamillah El-Burki" “Contemporary Media Representations of Race and the Reshaping

of the College Classroom Experience” Feminist Teacher, vol. 27, no. 2-3, 2017, pp. 106-

113. JSTOR, [Link]/stable/10.5406/femteacher.27.2-3.0106.

" Mark Dawes" “Performance Art: Spectacle of the Body” Journal Name, vol. number, no.

number, 1995, pp. 26-29. JSTOR, [Link]/stable/25562887.

" F. Kent Reilly, III" "The Shaman in Transformation Pose: A Study of the Theme of Rulership

in Olmec Art" , vol.48,1989, pp- 4-21. JSTOR, [Link]/stable/3774730.

Abramović, Marina. Balkan Baroque. 1997.

"Um Sagrado Lugar (A Sacred Place). 2017" YouTube, [Link]/watch?

v=XTPauQb0lKI.

"The 2017 Venice Biennale's Neo-Shamanism." artnet News, [Link]/art-world/venice-

biennale-2017-viva-art-viva-review-958238.