The Seoul Museum of Art has exciting news for art enthusiasts and culture fans alike, as it announces that 49 artists and collectives will participate in the upcoming 2025 edition of the Seoul Mediacity Biennale, titled Séance: Technology of the Spirit. This event, opening on August 26, 2025, is poised to be a landmark exhibition that delves into the mystical and spiritual dimensions of art, illustrating how these elements have influenced artistic expression from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day.
Curators Anton Vidokle, Hallie Ayres, and Lukas Brasiskis have crafted a thematic narrative that will guide visitors through an exploration of how spiritual experiences have shaped both modern and contemporary art. Notably, Séance: Technology of the Spirit intends to trace artistic practices back to pioneering figures such as Georgiana Houghton and Hilma af Klint, whose revolutionary methods as artists-mediums opened up new channels through which creativity and spirituality converged.
The Biennale will also touch on the influence of shamanism in the works of Nam June Paik and Joseph Beuys, alongside transcendental experiences depicted in early experimental films by artists like Maya Deren and Jordan Belson. Contemporary contributions will showcase a diverse array of creators exploring themes of the occult, enchantment, and magic. This rich tapestry of artistic work aims to communicate the underlying currents of mysticism that persist in today’s art.
In articulating the vision behind Séance: Technology of the Spirit, the curators remarked, “We sought to create an exhibition in the form of a séance that exceeds our everyday perception of the world, revealing aspects of reality often hidden from our conscious experience.” They emphasize the significance of artists gravitating towards new modes of understanding the world amidst prevailing crises, positioning this exhibition as both an historical lineage and a potential avenue for emancipation and healing.
One of the defining features of the Seoul Mediacity Biennale is its history of pushing boundaries and challenging established methodologies in the world of art. This year’s edition is set to expand upon this legacy. In addition to showcasing visual art, the Biennale will host a series of venues across the city, featuring new commissions along with extensive film and sound programs. This multifaceted approach redefines the notion of media in art, providing audiences with immersive experiences that transcend traditional viewing practices.
The Biennale is an initiative by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, which has been ongoing since 2000. Over the years, it has garnered international acclaim for its experimental engagement with the evolving media landscape within the city. Prior exhibitions focusing on similar thematic inquiries, notably the SEOUL in MEDIA series held from 1996 to 1999, laid the foundation for the Biennale’s rich conceptual framework.
Séance: Technology of the Spirit will be available for public viewing at the Seoul Museum of Art from August 26 until November 23, 2025. Allegiant visitors eager to delve deeper into this enthralling exploration of art and mysticism can attend the press and professional preview day on August 25. Important details regarding the exhibition will continue to be unveiled as the date approaches, with updates available on the Seoul Mediacity Biennale’s official website.
The comprehensive list of participating artists reinforces the exhibition’s commitment to showcasing a wide spectrum of creative talents. Among the notable names are Aki Onda, Amit Dutta, Angela Su, Anocha Suwichakornpong, Anri Sala, Byungjun Kwon, Colectivo Los Ingrávidos, Emma Kunz, Georgiana Houghton, Hilma af Klint, Nam June Paik, Joseph Beuys, Maya Deren, and many more. With 49 artists contributing their unique perspectives, Séance: Technology of the Spirit is sure to offer a profound meditation on the intersection of the spiritual and artistic realms.
In conclusion, Séance: Technology of the Spirit stands as a compelling invitation for audiences to engage with art in ways that transcend the conventional. By exploring the mystical undercurrents of artistic expression, the 2025 Seoul Mediacity Biennale not only expands our understanding of the role of spirituality in art but also serves as a necessary refuge for inquiry in times of uncertainty. As we await further announcements about this groundbreaking exhibition, there’s a collective sense of anticipation for what promises to be a transformative experience for all who attend.
