Ghosts of Futures Past

How does spirituality shape our search for meaning and connection in a rapidly changing world? The exhibition Ghosts of Futures Past, featuring work by Jaasir Linger, MingJou Chen, Oscar Santillán, Saar Scheerlings, Sondi and Venus Jasper, explores the connection between transformation and spirituality.

The title refers to a book by Molly McGarry, in which she describes how spiritualism in America helped people to cope with major social changes. Activities such as séances (the summoning of spirits) were used not only to get closer to the afterlife, but also to process loss, trauma and rapid adjustments.

Through the lens of philosopher Jacques Derrida's concept of 'hauntology', Ghosts of Futures Past explores the echoes of the past that resonate in the present. The past acts as a ghost, constantly reminding us of what once was and what could have been.

The artworks in Ghosts of Futures Past show an interplay between past, present and future. All artists use spirituality to respond to the changes of our time - such as the rise of artificial intelligence, our relationship with nature and non-human entities and our experience of questions around gender and identity.