As they put the final touches on their PhD thesis, 
it’s clear that artist Michael Dudeck (performance name [M] Dudeck) have made quite a name for themselves researching the age-old intersection of art and religion. They’ve even created their own religion – complete with rituals and symbology. Now they’ve been commissioned by BASR (British Association for the Study of Religion) to produce and curate BASR’s annual festival. This year, it’s called ‘RUINS’. It’s online, free, and running until November 30.
Part of BASR’s annual conference held at the University of Edinburgh, ‘RUINS’, as the name suggests, explores different aspects of the intriguing concept of ‘time-based art’. Visitors watch and become immersed in ten other-worldly videos by ten contemporary artists from across eight geographic and cultural locations. If the taster video is anything to go by, the public gets a unique opportunity to partake in an intimate, multifaceted, look at what religious experience could mean in our virtual age. How is it presented? What are the rituals? As it’s always done since humans first painted in caves, art is at the forefront in expressing this experience.
In addition to stunning multi-media presentations, Michael have also ensured that the festival is interactive. Open dialogue is encouraged via a comments section below each video. You can sign up to view this incredible online experience until November 30 at www.ruins.media.
