2011 Su-kin (Skin)

Echigo-Tsumari in Niigata Prefecture is one of the oldest known cultural regions in Japan, an area infused with a profound sense of human presence and creative activity. Evident everywhere are the physical traces that have accumulated over hundreds of years from the people who have lived, worked, remained and passed through. The dwindling number of inhabitants are resilient, tough and fiercely proud of their home, and their ability to survive in this beautiful-yet-challenging environment is awe-inspiring. They are shy, gentle, and their generosity of spirit is both heart-warming and humbling. These people know little about contemporary art, and yet their willingness to embrace its presence amongst their rice fields and vegie gardens proves that art truly can transcend language barriers and play an important role in revitalising the community.

My installation titled Skin at Matsudai Noubutai Gallery revolved entirely around exploring the connection between the skin of our bodies, the surfaces around us, and the contours and topography of the landscape we inhabit. I was directly inspired by the people who live in the local area, many of them for their entire lives, and by the physical connection they have with the place. Every day they are working in their gardens and rice fields, walking the same paths and performing the same gestures – modifying the landscape and yet also being modified by it. Using a combination of drawing, frottage and body prints made by local people ranging in age from 16 months up to their 80s, the installation consisted of 26 large works on locally made washi paper hung from the ceiling of the gallery. All of these elements were drawn together by the washi, itself having the texture, malleability and translucency of an ageing skin.

An online diary of the residency can be viewed at http://echigo.australia.or.jp/en/diary.php

An interview about the residency with ABC local radio can be heard at http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2011/09/13/3316763.htm.