Idea: Rituals

-My work contains multiple figures gathered around an object or idol (trees) behaving in a set manner (isolating the tree with blasts of light).

This word has come up before in relation to my current project. I believe there is a ritualistic quality about these that might always be apparent, or mentioned, so I have been thinking about if I want this quality more apparent or to keep it subdued. I think I can enhance this ritualistic feeling by adding more people to the photographs and to also do something with the clothing choices, whether it be uniformity, or a complete lack of clothing. Incorporating props would also be another way to enhance the ritualism but I would have to be very careful in choosing them, as to not make this work take a wrong turn.

-Maria-Gabriele’s book, “Sacred Dance,” explores the use of dance as a form of spiritual expression, both historically and in modern times. Although focusing mainly on dance, there was plenty information on other aspects of rituals. She explains body movements used to “awaken” a sacred space and how a single object, or symbol, is most commonly placed in the middle of a congregation.

“All mythologies contain the idea of the gradual running-down of the universe, and of the cataclysm at the end of time; nature requires renewal, and the perennial function of ritual is to release life, to compensate for the work of time. Thus the historical situation is brought in touch with timeless, primordial reality, the essential truth of which is periodically manifested through the enactment of ritual.”

Wosien, Maria-Gabriele. Sacred Dance. Great Britain: Avon Publishing, 1974. 

         Print. 

-Estan Cabigas’ photojournalistic piece entitled, “A Ritual of Faith,” deals with people in various parts of the Philippines that practice self-flagellation. This act has been in practice for over 400 years, yet only a small number of men still performing this ritual. For this particular ritual, the men wear costumes made from dried banana leaves, wood and flowers. The costumes are then buried to help with harvests.

“Self-flagellation is intended for the healing of a sick relative or a member of the family or, in many instances, as a spirtitual investment in hope that God will grant grace or blessing for the family as well as protection from harm and misfortune.”

Cabigas, Estan. "A Ritual of Faith." 2009. http://estancabigas.com/faith/a-ritual-of-faith/