Amanita Muscaria
2020 — 2022
Both attractive and repulsive, the amanita muscaria or fly agaric has a variety of symbolic meanings throughout many cultures. Many believe this mushroom to be lethally poisonous, as it was used for centuries to kill insects. Others, meanwhile, see the amanita as a delicacy with medicinal and cosmetic qualities.
The fly agaric was considered a way to access a magical reality, used by ancient shamans to commune with spirits, serving a role in various myths and fairy tales.
More recently, we have seen a renaissance in the amanita’s use, with its microdoses being used as an antidepressant. Visually, it has been used in neo-pagan art and ritual but still retains a reputation as a dangerous mushroom.
This ironic duality of admiration and horror — of fascination and mistrust — reflects our ever-shifting perception of folk traditions and magic.
Amanita NFT Collection on Exchange.Art
“Amanita Muscaria”, personal exhibition at Art Kvartal, Yerevan. May, 2022.
“Amanita Muscaria” exhibition at Head On Photo Festival, Sydney, Australia. November — December, 2022.
“Amanita Muscaria” exhibition at Art Standard gallery, Moscow, April 2023.
