NEO-SHAMAN ?
A neo-shaman practices shamanism in a modern and contemporary manner. Similar to traditional shamans, the neo-shaman interacts with the spirit world and serves as an intermediary between the human community and the invisible realm.
Drawing from various cultures and traditions, the neo-shaman derives many teachings directly from the spirit realm. Operating outside of any specific community or tradition, they embrace and comprehend the modern world, utilizing their spiritual and healing modalities to serve a broader community.
While neo-shamanic practices can vary widely depending on the individual practitioner and their influences, my personal journey brought me to develop a unique combination of energy work and contemporary art. Throughout my initiation phases, I have developed a set of tools for mind and emotional management, as well as strong relationships in the invisible world. As a physical manifestation of these relationships, my artworks promote a better understanding of the self to restore balance and harmony at a larger scale.
In the 21st century, characterized by technological advancements, globalization, environmental challenges, and social inequalities, the need for collective action can only take place through individuals embracing their unique dynamics and challenges. Within this global context, the neo-shaman /artist emerges as a significant contemporary tool in advancing global geopolitical conceptions.
Performance View “ The Ritual”
Opening evening of “ The Body of Work” - Parq Q ( Bali, Indonesia )
December 2023
THE RITUAL
- VOICES FROM THE DISTANT LAND -
In the convergence of Neo-Shamanism and Performance Art, the artist-shaman Mathilde Lefort explores the connection between body movements, spiritual dimensions, and societal introspection. At the core of this synergy is the notion that the body transforms into an empty vessel, giving rise to a narrative that surpasses mere performance. It serves as a profound inquiry into humanity’s intricate relationship with the world — a responsibility each individual holds in actively shaping society and, consequently, the future of the planet.
Drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as Indonesian dance, Butoh, and traditional shamanic trance practices, it explores the transformative potential of the body as a catalyst for societal reflection. Moving beyond individual expression, the performance symbolizes a collective identity — a conduit bridging the earthly and the divine, the visible and the invisible. Through deliberate movements and symbolic gestures, this ritualistic expression invites the audience to connect emotionally with the essence of life itselfand the intricate dynamics between the individual and society.
Reconceptualizing art performance as an anthropological dimension imposes a duty on every human being to actively shape societal structures. This integration prompts a fusion of roles between the artist and the shaman, both bestowed with a geopolitical responsibility to pose questions and act as catalysts for societal introspection.
As we navigate the confluence of Neo-Shamanism and Performance Art, we embark on a journey where the body transforms into the storyteller, the artist undertakes a geopolitical role, and the audience is invited to delve into a profound questioning of their place in the world. It is a celebration of the intricate intersection of art, spirituality, and societal responsibility — a dynamic tapestry woven with threads of movement, transformation, and introspection.