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How shamanism is changing art - Arts Unveiled

December 2, 2023

Arts Unveiled takes a look at the origins of shamanism. Artists use ancient practices to explore themselves and the environment. But is everything titled shamanism the real deal?

https://p.dw.com/p/4Zghx
Mexico | Mayan shaman
Image: Martin Engelmann/imageBROKER/picture alliance

Whether in dance, the visual arts or music, shamanism is making an unexpected comeback. The emphasis is now on healing and being in tune with nature. Has the heyday of Western rationalism come to an end? Are artists using ancient practices, the new shamans? Or is shamanism just something Westerners are turning to out of weariness? Who needs healing more: the world or us?

USA, New York | Marina Abramović (2016)
Image: DW

Join Arts Unveiled on a transcendental trip with the Russian artist Igor Sakharov-Ross, the conceptual and performance artist Marina Abramović, the Greek theater director Dimitris Tsiamis, Berlin based Singaporean artist Choy Ka Fai, experimental folk music band Heilung (Healing) and the ethnologist Amélie Schenk. Is shamanism in art an ego trip or a new path to spiritual awakening?

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About the show

DW Arts Unveiled (Serienlogo Composite)

Arts Unveiled — Experiencing and understanding the art world

Arts Unveiled dives deep into the international creative scene, uncovering new ideas and explaining cultural phenomena that shape our history, present and future. Who are the artists? What are their greatest works of art? And how are they having an impact? Where can we find their exciting projects?