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.
Anastasia Shubina and Timofey Glinin are both visual artists from St Petersburg, Russia, currently based in Germany. They have worked together since 2018, founding the art association GLISH and pioneering the Necrofuturist Movement.
Shubina studied philosophy at St Petersburg University and Docdocdoc School of Modern Photography). A multidisciplinary artist, she has worked in experimental and documentary cinema, video art and photography. In her personal projects she explores the subjects of mythology, anthropology and historical trauma.
Glinin studied biology at St Petersburg University and attended courses at the St Petersburg School of New Cinema. He has worked as a scientist, entrepreneur and writer, exploring futurism, transhumanism and modern science.
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