As the ecological disaster in the current time requires urgent solutions, the human’s ways of thinking and actions towards nature must be re-examined, and Western anthropocentrism must be challenged.  The endeavor now must focus on developing ontological and epistemological alternatives that allow humans to co-exist collaboratively and harmoniously with other non-human communities in the world.  Interestingly, the solution lies in ancient knowledge: animism.  

Animism can be found in many global indigenous cultures worldwide, and my paper aims to explore animism, particularly in the indigenous culture of Korea, named Korean Shamanism.  Korean shamanic communities have a longstanding relationship with the spirits and gods of their natural environment.  Examples of their spiritual beliefs in nature are numerous: Mountain gods (shanshin), Water gods (youngwang), Land gods (jishin), animal gods (12 jishin), tree gods (Seonwangdang or Dansan namu), and more.  They approach nature with care and reverence, strongly believing that they should not disturb these spirits.  Any human intervention in such natural environments should be permitted the spirits before its execution.   

My paper will identify and examine artistic practices and art works that appear to align with these shamanic beliefs or ideas.  These works may not necessarily be directly inspired by Korean shamanic beliefs but can be interpreted through shamanic notions suggesting more harmonious relationships with other non-human communities in the world. The works to be considered for this paper include pieces by Hyun-Sook Hong Lee, Black Jaguar, Haru Ji and Graham Wakefield.  My paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable environmental practices and emphasizes the vital role of indigenous knowledge in shaping a more harmonious coexistence between humanity and the natural world, fostering deeper mutual respect and care.