Simulated Ritual - with Javier Ruiz

4K video loop, 6 min., quadraphonic sound, 2024.

This project explores intercultural translations and their repercussions on ritual practices in the Spanish Peninsula, with particular attention to oriental influences (Buddhist, Gnostic, and Muslim). In the final cut, audiovisual testimony is presented with considerable artificiality, employing devices such as the “day-for-night” technique. The work oscillates between cinematic language and visual ethnography to create a tension, inviting the visitor to question the reliability of what is being told. This sense of ambiguity is further reinforced by a quadraphonic sound composition by the composer and theorist Lee Fraser (London, 1981). His acousmatic piece, based on psychoacoustic techniques and spectral frequencies, deepens the alienation of what is normally perceived as reliable.

The project was created with the support of the Community of Madrid, and it was presented at "Caja de Resonancia" curated by Isabella Lenzi at Circuitos 2024 (Madrid).

Simulated Ritual was created by Federico Pozuelo and Javier Ruiz del Río (Director), Lee Fraser (Composer), with the participation of Jesús Pino (Actor), Luca Pescaglini (Colorist), Juan David Uceda (camera assistant).

"Simulated Ritual", still from video, 2024.

"Simulated Ritual", still from video, 2024.

"Simulated Ritual", still from video, 2024.

"Simulated Ritual", installation view at Caja de Resonancia curated by Isabella Lenzi, Circuitos202, Madrid, 2024.