Project

Totem

An interactive ritual
Heart rhythm becomes a personal Totem

A ritualistic circle of ‘Totems’ — symbolic objects, created from the heart rhythms of sixteen different people.

With its glowing appearance, the circle forms a mysterious yet inviting space — like a gathering of figures, waiting for you to step inside. Within the circle an interactive ritual takes place: you create your own Totem, live, from your heart rhythm and your imagination.

Our heart forms the bridge between body and feeling. It is unique like a fingerprint, yet constantly changing.

Held in tangible form, your heart rhythm becomes a mirror, facing inward. Whatever rises to the surface, you draw into it: your own Totem, marking what matters in that moment.

More than a hundred Totem rituals have taken place — at Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, Amare in The Hague, The Grey Space in the Middle, and in private commissions. The experience, and the heart rhythms gathered along the way, became the ground for Symbols of Change, its second series.

In collaboration with

Beer van Geer

The ritual

The Grey Space in the Middle · Stedelijk Museum Schiedam

“The first time we made a Totem was just before my grandmother passed away. It was a deep and beautiful experience to create something together with her, as her heart was slowly growing still.”

Julie, on the very first Totem

On film

Totem, as part of the exhibition Spirituele Urgentie at Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, was featured in a segment of AVROTROS’ Nu te zien.

Spirituele Urgentie · Stedelijk Museum Schiedam

AVROTROS, Nu te zien · 2024

studio@juliederuijter.nl