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Marcus Coates:
Journey to the Lower World
(Includes DVD)
By Alec Finlay & Mark Wallinger
October 2005
Platform Projects
Distributed By Trans-Atlantic Publications
9780954683160
96 Pages, Illustrated
$47.50 Paper (Plus DVD)
Marcus Coates documents his recent attempt to engage
the mystical and transformative power of Shamanic ritual to assist the
tenants of Liverpool's Linosa Close, a 24-storey council tower block scheduled
for demolition. With their homes condemned, Coates asked a group of residents
to participate with him in a recreation of a Siberian Tuvak 
Shaman ritual,
so that animal spirits, via the medium of the artist, might offer them
guidance for the uncertain times to come. Journey to the Lower World is
an album of words and images reflecting on human and animal consciousness
in the contemporary world -- how ancient forms of knowledge, healing and spirituality
are adapted to fill a void.
He has insistently considered our relationship to nature: where in previous
projects he has
adopted the techniques of scientific observation. Drumming and dancing his
way into a trance, Coates attempts to channel information from the spirits
of the animals he attempts to commune with, hoping to assume the powers of
the traditional Shaman.
Exhibition
Solo exhibition at Baltic Centre for
Contemporary Art,
Gateshead - 2006
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