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.

GLISH is an art association founded by Timofey Glinin and Anastasia Shubina, visual artists, working together from 2018. Currently based in San Francisco. Anastasia Shubina is a multidisciplinary artist from St. Petersburg. She works with documentary and conceptual photography, film and video art. He has a philosophical education, as well as education in the field of cinema and photography. Her work has been presented at solo and group exhibitions, as well as at a number of film festivals in Europe, Asia, America and Australia. Finalist and winner of competitions. In her personal projects, she explores the themes of mythology, anthropology, and historical trauma. Timofey Glinin is an artist and film director from St. Petersburg. He studied biology at Saint Petersburg State University and attended courses at the Saint Petersburg School of New Cinema, worked as a scientist, entrepreneur, and writer. His work has been presented at a number of international film festivals and exhibitions in Europe, Asia, the USA and Australia. In his projects, he explores the themes of futurism, transhumanism and modern science.

For more information, visit: glish.org/
Interview with Anastasia Shubina and Timofey Glinin here