K-DOCS

Synopsis

Part 1: I am Shaman

Renowned global artists, including the world-famous video artist Paik Nam-June, German performance artist Joseph Beuys, China’s preeminent performance artist Chang Xin, and British performance artist Marcus Coates, all unequivocally state: “My inspiration originates from shamanism.”

Thus, we will follow the paths of these artists, many of whom proudly identify as “Shamans”- or more precisely, as “MUDANG” - and explore what shamanism means to them. We will examine its significance in their lives and its deep roots in their art.

Part 2: Origin of Art

Shamanism is both a culture and an art form that has taken root across the globe. In search of its origins, we journey to Lake Baikal — the birthplace of shamanism and the final stronghold of the North Asian shamans.

Our exploration continues through the Shamanic countries of Mongolia, where shamanism is deeply embedded in everyday life; Vietnam, where it has become an integral part of existence; and the three countries of Northeast Asia — China, Japan, and Korea — each representing a unique tradition of shamanism.

Director's Statement

Across time and cultures, humanity has sought ways to bridge the visible and invisible worlds. Among the many paths carved through history, shamanism stands as one of the oldest and most profound - a sacred dialogue between the earthly and the divine, where art and ritual are inextricably intertwined. This enduring tradition, far from being a relic of the past, continues to inspire, transform, and find new expressions in contemporary creative practice.

Through Art Shaman, we seek to uncover these new forms of expression.

Shamanism stands not merely as a cultural tradition, but as a profound expression of art - a living heritage deeply embedded across the world. In Mongolia, offerings of milk and meat are made to the spirits; in Nepal, Hindu scriptures and tridents are used to drive out malevolent forces; in Vietnam, it remains customary to seek the healing of shamans at least twice a year; in Japan, glutinous rice is placed upon coastal rocks in prayers for an abundant harvest; and on Jeju Island in Korea, rice and fruits are offered to the sea in hopes of a bountiful catch.

Across regions and histories, shamanic practices transcend ritual to become a language of culture and art. How has this spiritual art form evolved across nations and through time? Since prehistoric days, shamanism has maintained an inseparable bond with artistic expression, with the shaman often revered as the archetypal artist.

Art Shaman embarks on a journey to explore the enduring legacy of this timeless tradition.