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Unheard

Sound Circuit, Soil, Stanles, Drawing, Photo

Dimension Variable

2016

   The meanings of “Soil,” “Ground,” and “Land” have long departed from their elemental and physical definitions. They were made alive, tied to their residents, and sometimes function like one’s family. Thus, to die for one’s [mother]land may be sweet and appropriate.

   “Everyman for himself” is turned into jargons like “group,” “community,” “state,” and “nation, ” partly for the sake of one protecting one’s own interest, or space; and what follows are discourses and newly assigned values or meanings that surround these concepts of residential ground, land, soil, and borders. These created discourses and newly assigned meanings sometimes exceed beyond their reasonable or naturalistic states. They are mysticized and supernaturalized,  sometimes by stories of demons, spiritual beings, religions, or landlords (potentates).

   This work returns to the original “Soil” in its physical state, what it scientifically is, but with an unheard utterance. It may give us an unseen landscape, or nostalgically remind us of what “soil” used to be, what the land was before it was owned or urbanized… or it may tell us what to look forward to in the future.

   These abstract concepts were planted, spreading from generations to generations. Despite intangible, they are occurring reminders of the state power, which are further augmented by symbols such as flags and anthems.

   These abstract concepts likewise have an impact on resource management. Many businesses operate on the claim that they are for the state, by the state, for the growth of the economy. The expropriation of land, community management, and management of wasteland for economic possibilities noticeably affect the landscape. Sometimes we like it, sometimes not, and sometimes we feel that it is unnecessary. Yet many times it was changed without the public participation or consent. 

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