The Stream XI

In the man-made waterways of rice paddies, the water in nature must follow artificial rules. In that way, nature is made abstract, giving rise to a new form of beauty distinct from the natural state. The theme of this work is the liveliness of water as it follows the man-made course. In episode 11 of The Stream, I consider why water streams are created. Water flowing through waterways is necessary for the cultivation of crops. Agricultural products are mainly produced for human consumption and are sold and distributed in the marketplace, where crops are cultivated again with the profits are earned. It is the economy and the distribution of goods that create the flow of water, which circulates in society through transportation and information networks. Fields are separated by transportation networks and rivers. Waterways are laid out to transport water from rivers to farmland like blood vessels. The transportation network, which governs logistics including the distribution of agricultural products, is connected to highways and rises as a monument in a giant circle. On the highways there is a never-ending stream of vehicles traveling and circulating to maintain human society. In addition, fields are home to a diverse range of living organisms, forming ecosystems that utilize the environment created by human society. At first glance, it looks like a quiet rural landscape, but if you listen closely, you can hear the constant pulse of circulation between nature and society.

Hiroya Sakurai (JP)
Born in Yokohama,Japan. Professor, Seian University of Art and Design. Exhibitions include The 4th Sydney Biennale (1982), Postwar Art in Japan, The Getty Center, Los Angeles (2007), 62nd Melbourne International Film Festival (2013), Sakurai’s work can be found in the collections of the National Gallery of Canada and J.Paul Getty Trust. Sakurai was awarded Grand Prix at 4th International Video & Electronic Art Festival, Locarno(1993), Asolo Award the Best Videoart Work at 35th Asolo Art Film Festival, Italy(all 2016) Grand Prize at 39th Tokyo Video Festival 2017 in Tokyo（2017） “The No Violence Award”at 56th Ann Arbor Film Festival in U.S.A,(2018)