‘Rituals: Megalithomania’ is a series of work exploring ancient and modern ritual. The sculptural works are exhibited using Augmented Reality in Venice during the 2019 Biennial. Incorporating prehistoric stone megaliths, the sculptures explore our relationship with the past and modern ritual.
In this exhibition, ancient archaeological monuments have been digitally scanned, highlighting the contrast between the primitive techniques used to create these stone structures over 5,000 years ago and the advanced technology of today.
These monuments, relics of a time when Britain's inhabitants transitioned from hunter-gatherers to agricultural societies during the Neolithic period, served as ritualistic sites. Stone circles, in particular, were used as religious sites for over a millennium, and their purpose has been a subject of ongoing investigation.
Over the centuries, interpretations of these megaliths have evolved, witheach generation offering new theories—ranging from folklore and mythology to ritualistic significance. These shifting explanations reflect contemporary understandings of the past. The exhibition explores this dialogue through modern-day rituals, depicted by figures interacting with the stones. This interaction creates a connection between religion, pilgrimage, cult practices, and consumerism.
The exhibition features three sculptures displayed using Augmented Reality in site-specific installations in Venice, Italy. These sculptures juxtapose the grandeur of Venice with some of humanity's earliest ritualistic structures.
The ‘Jam Sutton Studio’ app (now discontinued), serves as the AugmentedReality exhibition space, offering a unique and immersive experience.