For Totem artists Julie de Ruijter & Beer van Geer created a Tribe of symbolic, supernatural objects using heart rhythm data from 16 different people. The end result forms a ritualistic circle of 16 Totems, textile artworks in the form of scrolls. With it’s glowing appearance, the circle forms a mysterious yet inviting space, like a tribe that warmly invites you inside. 

Our heart forms the bridge between the tangible and intangible world. It is unique like a fingerprint, yet constantly changing, reflecting our natural cycles and inner world. The artists have created a contemporary ritual connecting us to our cycles of transformation and intuition. Connecting the tangible digital application that emerged from science with the intangible world of intuition that forms the basis for the arts. Bringing back the value of artists as translators of the unseen. Investigating the value of symbolic, magical objects to form a connection with our transformative nature, our inner realm and our kin.

In many tribes, transitions like adulthood, birth and death are marked through rites and visual symbols. Creating an emphasis on moments of transformation by honouring change and putting our attention to what is. With this, we not only allow the feelings that come with it, but also embrace it as a part of our story, and our purpose. Connecting to our natural rhythm through rituals, we discover how our natural rhythm is intertwined with the rhythm of the collective. To be able to understand and respond to the transitions in the (natural) world around us, it is important to recognise and mark transitions within ourselves. Instead of separating ourselves from the whole, we can take our place in the greater narrative.

For more information visit the Totem project website.

Photography: Lotte van Uittert

Photo’s Stedelijk Museum Schiedam: Aad Hoogendoorn