Yesterday, I attended a fascinating presentation on witchcraft at Fotografiska. The presentation delved into the historical context and societal perceptions of witchcraft, as well as its representation in art and popular culture. The main idea behind the presentation was to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding witchcraft and to explore its significance throughout history. The speaker emphasized that witchcraft is not a form of devil worship, but rather a complex belief system that has been misunderstood and demonized over the years. One of the most interesting aspects of the presentation was the exploration of witchcraft in art. The speaker showcased various paintings and sculptures that depicted witches and witchcraft, highlighting the symbolism and cultural meanings behind these artworks.
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According to Médecins du Monde, more than a third of them were chased away from their home in the pretext that they were child-witches and responsible of all the troubles of the family death, unemployment, disease, etc. In the ongoing Black Spirituality Project , Afrolatinx-American photographer Felicita Felli Maynard documents POC Millennial women who are reclaiming their ancestral heritage.
The speaker showcased various paintings and sculptures that depicted witches and witchcraft, highlighting the symbolism and cultural meanings behind these artworks. It was fascinating to see how artists throughout history have used witchcraft as a motif to explore themes of power, femininity, and social rebellion. The presentation also touched upon the role of witchcraft in popular culture.
Child-witches of Kinshasa
We have already presented Gwenn Dubourthoumieu’s Mobutu palaces. Here is one of her latest series on the children of Kinshasa. It received special mention from the jury of the Prix Roger Pic 2011, and was awarded the Investigative Reporting Prize at the European Festival of Journalism / Scoop Grand Lille 2011. Between 20 000 and 50 000 children live in the streets of Kinshasa. Organized in gangs, they get by, sometimes thanks to theft or prostitution. According to Médecins du Monde, more than a third of them were chased away from their home in the pretext that they were child-witches and responsible of all the troubles of the family (death, unemployment, disease, etc.). The immense majority of the people living in Kinshasa are persuaded by the truthfulness of this curse. More than one hundred new “child-witches” are so discovered every month and thrown out in the streets. The faith in witchcraft is profoundly rooted in the Congolese culture, but the phenomenon, which consists in abandoning children by accusing them of witchcraft, took a notorious scale only since the end of 1990s. In this immense overpopulated shanty town that is Kinshasa, where 95 % of the population get by below the poverty line, the children are unproductive mouths to feed. Caroline Six Mention spéciale du Jury, Prix Scam Roger Pic 2011
Prix de l’enquête, festival européen du journalisme / Scoop Grand Lille 2011
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For American photographer, Frances F. Denny, the personal is political: while researching her ancestry, she discovered her eighth great-grandmother, Mary Bliss Parsons was accused of witchcraft while living in Northhampton, MA, in 1674 — just two decades before the Salem Witch Trials of 1692–1693, which were presided over by Chief Justice Samuel Sewall, Denny’s tenth great grand-grandfather.
From books to movies to music, witchcraft has captivated audiences around the world. It was intriguing to see how witchcraft has been portrayed and interpreted differently in various mediums, reflecting the changing attitudes and beliefs of society. Overall, the presentation on witchcraft at Fotografiska was an enriching and enlightening experience. It challenged preconceived notions and sparked a deeper understanding of witchcraft as a cultural phenomenon. It emphasized the importance of looking beyond stereotypes and clichés to truly appreciate the multifaceted nature of witchcraft..
Reviews for "Witchcraft Through the Lens: A Riveting Presentation at Fotografiska"
1. Emma - 1 star
I must admit that I was quite disappointed with the witchcraft presentation at Fotografiska. The exhibition lacked depth and substance, with the photographs feeling more like cliché stock images than pieces of art. The storytelling aspect was weak, and it failed to captivate my interest. I expected to learn more about the history and cultural significance of witchcraft, but everything felt superficial and underexplored. Overall, it was a missed opportunity to create a thought-provoking and engaging exhibition.
2. John - 2 stars
While the concept of a witchcraft presentation at Fotografiska sounded intriguing, the execution fell short for me. I found the photographs to be visually appealing, but they lacked cohesion and a clear narrative. The information provided alongside the images was minimal, leaving me with more questions than answers. Additionally, I feel that the curators missed an opportunity to delve deeper into the various themes and aspects of witchcraft, focusing instead on surface-level aesthetics. Overall, I left the exhibition feeling unsatisfied and longing for more substance.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
As a fan of both photography and witchcraft, I was excited to visit the witchcraft presentation at Fotografiska. However, I left feeling underwhelmed. While some of the photographs were aesthetically pleasing, there was a lack of diversity in the subject matter and presentation style. The exhibition relied heavily on common tropes and imagery associated with witchcraft, failing to offer a fresh perspective or challenge existing narratives. I was hoping for a more nuanced exploration of the topic, but instead, it felt like a surface-level display that barely scratched the surface.