Rites of Algorithms

In this workshop, Mara Oscar Cassiani invites participants to engage in a collective experience that merges digital and physical realms, exploring how algorithms typically used to shape online content and interactions can be repurposed as prompts for rituals to create moments of shared reflection and connection.

At the heart of the workshop is a series of gifs and memes created by the artist herself, and presented as tarot cards inspired by ritual female archetypes—universal symbols that evoke shared narratives and collective identities. These digital elements act as catalysts for group rituals that move fluidly between augmented reality and real-life interactions. 

The workshop draws on Mara Oscar Cassiani’s research into ‘expanded rituals’—rituals that emerge from the algorithmic bubbles shaping our online experiences. These bubbles generate personalised digital environments through suggested content. The artist explores how traditional rituals, often linked to specific cultural and social practices, are being reshaped and influenced by these algorithmic currents on the internet.

This workshop offers a participatory experience where digital art and ritual converge, revealing how technology shapes our shared human stories. Participants will explore how algorithmic influences extend beyond the screen, evolving into tangible and communal practices.

Notes for the participants: The workshop involves light physical activity. Please wear comfortable sneakers and sportswear, and bring a mat to sit on if desired.