Myths have shaped humanity’s understanding of the world since time immemorial. Across cultures, they have defined identity, morality, and symbolism, offering allegorical guidance and pre-scientific explanations for unknown phenomena. Born from oral traditions and sacred texts, these narratives have been perpetually reimagined in hymns, sculptures, or paintings throughout generations.

Myths are not merely remnants of the past; they are dynamic narratives that have continuously evolved alongside humanity. As societies transformed, myths were reshaped to reflect shifting truths, and their symbolism was adapted to resonate with new realities. However, an era of unprecedented change, turbulence, and rapid progress begs the question: can myths still evolve and maintain their relevance and enduring allure in our contemporary life?

In Futuring The Past, Lennart Grau, Paul Günther Köstner, Anna Nezhnaya, Carolyn Prescott, and Laura Suryani Thedja, present works that attempt to answer that question. By challenging preconceptions, they examine inherited narratives, unraveling their complexities to expose latent connections and repressed histories, illuminating the enduring resonance of these ancient tales.

 

Lennart Grau, the great appetite, 2024, 70 x 90 cm, Mixed Media on Canvas