Mio Fujimaki

During my residency at Ravi, my focus will be on exploring the intricate patterns that emerge from the interaction between culture and nature, specifically the dynamic forces of human activity and natural processes. The residency’s unique historical and environmental context, particularly its past as a battery coaling facility, as well as the city of Liège’s rich heritage in metal industry and mining, prompts a deeper investigation into what I term « invisible energies. »

I am particularly drawn to the concept of corrosion as a metaphor and a literal source of energy creation. Corrosion, as the natural process by which metal reverts to its original state, mirrors the cyclical relationship between human intervention and nature’s inevitable reclamation. Just as humans extract and refine metal, only for it to strive to return to rust—its natural state—so too do we constantly engage in a delicate balance with the environment: removing moss from surfaces, eliminating grass between tiles, and repairing the cracks in concrete. This continuous cycle of interaction reveals beautiful and complex patterns that symbolize the collaboration between natural and human forces.

In my work, I intend to expand on these ideas by referencing my previous project, “Stained Currency,” as a foundation for further exploration. This project involved observing the patterns and traces left by the interplay of human actions and natural processes. At Ravi, I plan to delve deeper into these patterns, particularly through the study of corrosion within the context of battery systems. The ancient practice of generating energy through metal corrosion offers a profound analogy to the cyclical nature of culture and nature, with both forces continually shaping and reshaping the world around us.

By investigating these processes, I aim to uncover the subtle and often invisible energies that drive this endless cycle, emphasizing our inherent role within it. This exploration will not only deepen my understanding of the natural and cultural forces at play but also contribute to a broader dialogue on the interplay between art, nature, and human industry.