Exploring the Mystical Intersection of Art and Ritual: The 13th Seoul Mediacity Biennale Unveils Its Vision
Exploring the Mystical Intersection of Art and Ritual:
The 13th Seoul Mediacity Biennale Unveils Its Vision
The Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) has officially announced the roster of artists for the highly anticipated 13th edition of the Seoul Mediacity Biennale, set to run from August 26 to November 23, 2025.
Titled "Ritual: The Technique of the Soul", this year's Biennale will feature 49 artists and collectives from around the globe, with exhibitions staged not only at the museum itself but also throughout various locations across the city of Seoul.
Curated by Anton Vidokle, Hali Eyers, and Lukas Brasiskis, the Biennale promises to be a deeply introspective journey into the relationship between art, spirituality, and ritual practices, spanning from the mid-19th century to the contemporary moment.
The curators, whose work frequently explores intersections of media theory, cinematic practice, and metaphysical inquiry, have shaped this Biennale into what they call a ritual in itself—a contemplative, immersive experience that goes beyond traditional exhibition formats.
A Historical and Spiritual Journey Through Art
At the heart of this year's theme lies the question: How have mystical, spiritual, and esoteric traditions influenced the evolution of modern and contemporary art?
In seeking answers, the Biennale revisits early modernist artists such as Georgiana Houghton, Hilma af Klint, Deguchi Onisaburo, and Emma Kunz—pioneers who considered themselves mediums channeling unseen spiritual forces.
Their revolutionary practices broke away from the rationalism of their time, proposing instead that artistic expression could serve as a form of transcendental communication.
The exhibition then journeys into the mid-20th century, where the legacy of ritual and the metaphysical is carried forward by avant-garde figures such as Nam June Paik and Joseph Beuys, both of whom drew heavily on shamanistic and mythological motifs to critique modern civilization.
Simultaneously, filmmakers like Maya Deren and Jordan Belson delved into the transcendent and dreamlike through their cinematic experiments, suggesting that film itself could serve as a portal to higher consciousness.
Contemporary Dialogues with the Esoteric
The present-day relevance of these themes is highlighted through works by contemporary artists engaging with a wide spectrum of occult practices, magical realism, and esoteric belief systems.
In an age marked by technological saturation, ecological crisis, and social upheaval, many artists are turning away from traditional rationalist frameworks in favor of alternative worldviews that offer deeper forms of understanding and healing.
“Many artists today perceive the current dominant systems to be in crisis,” said the curators in a joint statement.
“Through this Biennale, we aim to explore how artistic experimentation can function as a form of spiritual inquiry, psychological transformation, and collective healing.”
Art as a Ritual of Liberation
Rather than presenting art as static objects to be consumed, the 13th Seoul Mediacity Biennale proposes an alternative model: art as a living ritual, shaped by and for the viewer.
Drawing inspiration from cinema, psychoanalysis, and spiritual ceremonies, the Biennale invites audiences to immerse themselves in works that are not only intellectually stimulating but also emotionally and spiritually resonant.
The curators hope that this approach will not only honor the lineage of experimental and visionary art but also spark new conversations about the purpose of artistic creation in today’s world.
“We hope this exhibition becomes a space where the boundaries between art, life, and spirit dissolve—where experimentation becomes an act of freedom.”
As Seoul continues to position itself as a global cultural capital, the 13th Seoul Mediacity Biennale stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to bold, boundary-pushing art.
With its unique curatorial framework and ambitious thematic scope, this Biennale is not just an exhibition—it’s an invitation to reimagine the world through the lens of ritual, soul, and transformation.
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