Shamanism is an ancient spiritual practice, one which, according to some scholars, dates back to prehistoric and pre-religious times, and originated with the Tungus peoples of Siberia. However, we find evidence of similar practices in all world cultures, from the use of ritual musical instruments among Native Americans, to ritual practices in the Maya civilisation, in the spiritualism of Australian Aborigines and in Celtic civilisation.
THE ORIGIN
But also in classical Greek civilisation, as Carl Gustav Jung understood with his theory of archetypes and as Richard Dodds demonstrated in his famous essay ‘The Greeks and the Irrational’. But even more surprisingly, today we see the resurgence of a great interest in shamanism and spirituality right at the heart of modern materialism and even more so in contemporary societies.
Stefano Simontacchi
The Prism
The Prism AKA Stefano Simontacchi, a personality who has been at the top of the legal profession and a
key player in Italian economic life for years.
He has served or currently serves as a board member in prominent companies and associations (RCS, Prada, ISPI). He combines professional and entrepreneurial activity with ethical, cultural and humanitarian commitment.
He has always been dedicated to studying and exploring ethics in business, which he has also promoted in his speeches (Dreamers Day 2017 and 2019, The Future Makers 2018 and TedxTreviso 2022).
As The Prism, he has pursued an in-depth exploration of shamanism and spirituality in general that finds synthesis in his artistic expression.
Marco Senaldi
Curator
Marco Senaldi, philosopher and contemporary art theorist, has curated international exhibitions, including Critical Quest (with A. Galletta, 1993), Cover Theory (2003), Il marmo e la celluloide (2006), Fuori Fuoco – visioni video (2012), Sul limite di un’altra soglia. Andrea Santarlasci (2014), Birdman – Desire to Fly (2015); Francesco Lauretta. Due Volte (2018); Il Piede. Dario Bellini (2022). He has published numerous essays intersecting philosophy and art, including Definitively Unfinished. Filosofia dell’arte contemporanea (2012), Obversione. Media e disidentità (2014; 2023 II ed.) recently Duchamp. La scienza dell’arte (2019; French translation 2022).
He is the television author of cultural programmes for Canale 5, Italia Uno and RAI Tre and in 2019, he created (with Alessandra Galletta) Genio & Sregolatezza. Arte e storia in Italia for RAI Storia. His articles have appeared in Flash Art, Il Manifesto, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica, Interni, and he writes the column “In fondo in fondo”; in Artribune. He is Professor of Media Aesthetics at the Brera Academy, Milan, and, since 2023, Artistic Director of LABA Libera Accademia di Belle Arti Brescia e Trentino (Free Academy Fine Arts Brescia and Trentino).
Sergio Lella
CEO The Prism
Sergio Lella graduated in Copywriting at the IED Institute in Milan.
He boasts thirty years of know-how in creative and artistic direction within the marketing and advertising sector. He has collected important experiences in different realities, such as Jakala and Tequila Italia.
He currently works as a Marketing Consultant at Diagon, embracing The Prism project in a disruptive, unconventional way, contributing to its promotion and affirmation.