A "shamanistic death ritual" was developed by ArchiWorkshop -- a South Korean studio that was commissioned by the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture. The installation was a celebration of an abandoned space in transition. It acknowledged the life that occupied it in the past and it celebrated the life that will occupy it in the future. In another layer, the piece called attention to the number of buildings that "have been demolished to make way for new developments."
For the artistically driven death ritual, ArchiWorkshop wraps the interior of the building with gauze. While the witness symbolizes purity, the fabric gives the space "a ghostly appearance" and the partially covered windows present obscure views that amplify the divide between reality and the other world.
The 20-day death ritual exhibition was also amplified by the performance of a cellist and a violinist.
Photo Credits: Dezeen
Memorial-Like Building-Wide Installations
ArchiWorkshop's Experience Entails a Death Ritual
Trend Themes
1. Abandoned Space Celebrations - Creating installations to celebrate the transition of abandoned spaces can provide opportunities for artistic expression and community engagement.
2. Shamanistic Death Rituals - Developing death rituals that incorporate shamanistic traditions can provide a unique and meaningful experience for individuals and communities.
3. Obscure View Amplifications - Using partially covered windows and other methods to obscure views can provide opportunities to create a sense of mystery and enhance the impact of installations.
Industry Implications
1. Art Installation - Creating installations in public spaces that celebrate life, death, and transition can provide new and innovative opportunities for artists and sculptors.
2. Community Engagement - Incorporating community engagement into installation projects can provide opportunities to engage and inspire the public, making art more accessible to a wider audience.
3. Historical Preservation - Using art installations to highlight the history and significance of buildings that are at risk of being demolished can provide opportunities to raise awareness and advocate for preservation efforts.