“I continue to wonder how, in our total dependence on fungi- as regenerators, recyclers and networkers that stitch worlds together- we might dance to their tune more often than we realise.” (Sheldrake, 2020)
Fungi effects how we live in many ways sustaining us, luring us and enticing us. The miraculous nature of the mycelium has captured the imaginations and intrigue of artists all around the world for centuries and can be seen in the work of contemporary artists Carsten Holler, Michael Campbell, Gedimas and Nomeda. In this critical report I will be exploring the mystical and environmental representation of fungi in art specifically focusing on Mayan and contemporary depictions of mushrooms. I believe that Mayan and contemporary symbolism of mushrooms hold great significance and have chosen to focus on these specific depictions of mushrooms because both hold spiritual and mystical meanings but also include natural and environmental symbolism which is important to showing how the portrayal of mushrooms in art has changed over time and why they are significant. This text will be looking into the writings of Merlin sheldrake, Donna Harraway and B. Lowy in how mushrooms and natural entities are key to our worlds and why artists and ancient civilisations have chosen to create artworks surrounding mushrooms for so long.
*Part of the 2021-2022 Fine Art cohort
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