For six hours, I cleaned the water in Tainan bay, using a water filtration system designed and built by Karl Viksnins.
CLEANING THE WATER IN THE BAY
ONE CUPFUL AT A TIME
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
This 6-hour durational performance was created in response to the environmental concerns of Taiwan’s coastal city of Tainan, which has always relied economically on the fishing industry. It took place on a fish pier in An Ping, the oldest section of the city of Tainan, in the exhibition that was created as part of the Boston-Tainan Urban Design and Art Culture Exchange. This two-year project involved artists and architects from both cities working together in each country to engage in a cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary dialogue concerning waterfront development issues. The project culminated in an exhibition of installations and performances in each location.
I drew water out of the bay with a bucket, pouring it through a structure of layers of rocks and sand which was modeled on a water purification system. The water drained into a large bowl, out of which I dipped smaller bowls of water. I carried them to the edge of the pier and returned the cleaner water to the bay. When people gathered to watch, I offered them sealed glasses of fresh water to quench their thirst.
Members the audience participated with me in the action. It also became incorporated into a larger performance that was also part of the exhibition, and so other performers joined me as well.
A group of teenagers spoke to me after the event, saying that they had never thought about the pollution of the water, and that they wanted to become active in making the public more aware of the issue.
The title and three-line text were posted at the site, in both English and Chinese.
The water filtration structure was designed and built by Karl Viksnins, with the assistance of students from the local high school.
