Alchemy, Biopunk, And Occult Blood: A New Lens At The Museum Of Witchcraft And Magic

The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic has announced an innovative exhibition for the 2024 season, curated by the distinguished Bioart Coven founder, Dr. WhiteFeather Hunter. A Canadian technofeminist and transdisciplinary artist, Dr. Hunter's work transcends traditional boundaries between art, science, and magical practice. With a recent PhD in Biological Art from Symbiotica, The University of Western Australia, her research has garnered attention and accolades, including recognition from Merck/Sigma-Aldrich on International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2021.

Dr. Hunter's exhibition, titled "Arcanum Sanguinis: Occult Blood," promises to be a captivating exploration of the intersections between biomedicine, art, and magical practice. The exhibition will feature a selection of her works alongside objects from the museum and other prestigious collections such as Genesis P.Orridge's / Sigil for Derek Jarman, and items from the hermetic Richel-Eldermans Collection. Notably, the exhibition will also include a video/textile piece produced during her residency in 2022, showcasing her innovative approach to combining digital and organic matter.

"Arcanum Sanguinis: Occult Blood" aims to highlight the symbolic, belief-based, and practical connections that have shaped the development of biomedicine over centuries. By presenting a thematic narrative that reveals the subtle overlaps between magic and science, Dr. Hunter challenges conventional perceptions and invites viewers to consider the coalescence of these disciplines in new and unexpected ways.

One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is Dr. Hunter's machine embroidered and blood-stained lab coat, which is displayed alongside a hand-embroidered ritual robe featuring the caduceus symbol. This symbol, known for its association with medical institutions, serves as a powerful reminder of the historical connections between health practices and ritualistic traditions.

The exhibition also seeks to address the often-overlooked parallels between scientific practice and magic. By bringing these correspondences to light, "Arcanum Sanguinis: Occult Blood" aims to provoke thought on how our cultural perceptions of health and the body are influenced by both biopolitics and ritual.

"Arcanum Sanguinis: Occult Blood" by WhiteFeather Hunter will open on Monday, April 1, 2024, and run through October 31, 2024. This exhibition represents a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the fascinating nexus of art, science, and magic through the lens of a pioneering artist and scholar.