the nurturing island

The Nurturing Island is an installation revealing a sub-tropical island in the south of Japan. The island inhabitants have embraced and evolved a system of nurturing their community through the employment of tannoy announcements at set times throughout the day, acting as reminders and signifiers (or possibly orders). For instance early morning tunes are played to wake you up, local dental checks are announced, and at noon announcements and songs remind the elderly to eat lunch and to turn off the gas. The chosen schedules of tunes or chimes have in many ways become an integral part of the identity and territory of the village.

Through black and white landscape photographs Bates captures the essence of the power and beauty that dominates the island and preserves the rich mythology and belief system. Layered with the audio track it is almost as if the sacred mountains of the island, protected by the presence of Habu poisonous snakes, breathe their command over the inhabitants. The material juxtaposition creates a disquieting interplay that touches on our human fragility, explores unexpected structures, tensions and histories, and perhaps ultimately becomes a form of fiction.

Supported by Mondriaan Fonds

SILVER GELATIN BARYTA PRINTS On aluminium with audio track

150 cm X 120 cm / 120 cm X 150 cm / 80 cm X 100 cm
Edition of 5 + 2 AP

Also available:

58 cm X 46 cm / 46 cm X 58 cm
Edition of 7 + 2 AP