Invocations Programme of spells, incantations and oracles

Invocations is a programme of performance, music and live arts exploring the potential of ritual as a catalyst for transformative experiences. To mark the summer solstice, this programme of spells, incantations and oracles invites us to consider the subversive dimension of rituals and forms of knowledge that have been relegated to the margins of modernity.

The summer solstice is an astronomical event marked by folk rites in which the sun is worshipped to banish the winter season. In ancient times, this was the right moment to gather medicinal herbs, prepare love potions and practise the arts of divination. In dialogue with the ideas of philosopher Denise Ferreira da Silva, whose exhibition Corpus Infinitum aims to decentre Western thinking, this programme brings together artists whose work challenges the limits of reason in a disenchanted world, casting suspicion on the political categories, social and gender norms we have inherited from colonial modernity.

Beyond the modern notions of rationality and nature originated in the Enlightenment era, the artists in this programme embrace the challenge of affirming a plurality of ways of being and inhabiting the world, while acknowledging that we are not the only actors in the universe. They invite us to broaden our understanding of social relations to include the living and the dead, animals and plants, oceans and forests, stars and spirits. If the role of the artist is somewhat akin to that of the medium, can we amplify that long-neglected plurality of voices? And if so, are we ready to hear what they have to say?

Curated by Sabel Gavaldon, Head of Programmes at MACBA, and Alicia Escobio, Programmes Coordinator at the museum.

This programme is taking place on the evenings of Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 June at Capella MACBA and Convent dels Àngels. Bryana Fritz’s performance Submission Submission is presented on 14 June as a prelude to this programme.