2 - 18 September

KSTN - Kastanien Projektraum

Berlin, Germany

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Through a wide array of works, this show goes deeper into the cultural entanglements of two magic mushrooms: Amanita muscaria (fly-agaric) and Psilocybe species. Amanita muscaria has been probably the most potent catalyst for the human’s mushroom imaginary; becoming the most iconic, archetypal mushroom, it has inspired myths around the origins of religion, Christmas, and fueled many literary and artistic endeavors. On the other hand, Psilocybe species are at the foundations of the Mazatec culture, located in Huautla de Jiménez, Oaxaca, Mexico, whose most -internationally- known curandera Maria Sabina stands as a very relevant figure in the intersection of colonization, scientific research, medicine, spirituality, religion, feminist discourse, poetry, and indigeneity.

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Holy Children is a three-part, art and science exhibition, which highlights diverse historical moments related to two magic mushrooms: Amanita muscaria and Psilocybe species, and the current research on the latter for mental health treatment. Through interactive, sound, organic, and inorganic pieces, the show reflects on the cultural entanglements of these hallucinogenic mushrooms that appear in the intersection between science, spirituality, and popular culture.

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María Sabina, the Mazatec curandera, called the magic mushrooms ‘niños santos’ or holy children; bringing infantry and an unprecedented syncretism to the discussion around magic mushrooms. The magic mushroom experience has been also described as if the mundane aspects of life are seen in a new, ‘childlike’, very often comic, light; the smallest details appear beautiful and heavy with meaning; feelings of familiarity, recognition, and philosophical connections flash into the mind that brings the user to a new mystical sense of connection and responsibility. However, what does it mean to see life as a child? Magic mushrooms, allow us to romanticize life again; as in children’s brains and minds, a state of openness and genuine curiosity is unlocked, in which the discursive spaces are not established, giving a green light for new stories to take form.

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Holy Children is an invitation to re-learn the world with Fungi in mind; a window to healing our inner child in the middle of the ecosocial crisis we are facing; their culturally- engaged entanglements that have defined how we relate to Nature and spirituality; and ultimately to learn the incredibly positive scientific results of research in psychedelics for psychotherapy.

The exhibition will take place in three different art spaces in Berlin:

1. Institut für Alles Mögliche

2. KSTN Kastanien Projektraum

3. Rhizome Laboratory