Discovering Hidden Stories from Fragments

As an artist, I've often found inspiration in the stories that run through cultures and histories. Recently, after reading the essay' Rivers / Water' by Hana Pera Aoake in the Serpentine Reader https://www.serpentinegalleries.org/reader/articles/rivers-water/, I realised that Māori culture in New Zealand and Japanese culture, my heritage, share similar relationships with the rivers. This realisation, combined with my close connections to the rivers discovered through the previous art installation work 'Reverberations', compelled me to explore the hidden courses of London's rivers, sparking the new idea for my art installation, 'Fragments.'

The new concept behind 'Fragments' is simple yet profound: to collect and curate pieces that present above the concealed streams that wind beneath the streets of London. Each hidden river has been a silent witness to the passage of time and the evolution of society, serving Londoners long before our modern existence. Through this art installation, I hope to breathe life into their stories, inviting viewers to engage with these hidden narratives.

The cultural ties of rivers

Rivers hold immense significance across various cultures. In Māori tradition, according to Aoake, rivers symbolise life and identity; they are seen as ancestors. The stories told alongside rivers are woven into the very fabric of their existence. This deep respect and relational understanding reminded me of the Japanese perception of rivers, symbolising a spiritual journey and connection to nature, where the Japanese believe invisible spirits dwell.

As I contemplated this, I wondered about the hidden rivers in London that have been forgotten or obscured by the city's growth. This modern metropolis, built above rich histories, often overlooks the gentle flows beneath its concrete.

Unveiling London's hidden rivers

With my vision for 'Fragments' taking shape, I researched the hidden rivers around London on the Internet and in books, and was amazed by the number of hidden waterways beneath our feet. Out of many waterways, I chose three major rivers for this project: the River Westbourne, the River Tyburn, and the River Fleet. These three rivers begin from Hampstead, where I walk regularly, and each river runs through the area I have spent significant time in, such as where I lived, shopped, worked, and studied, since I moved to London. I felt I had been following these hidden rivers unconsciously for the last 10 years. Also, my hometown has three major rivers, so focusing on the three rivers seems like replicating my hometown.

I began mapping these waterways, tracing their paths on the city's surface, and selected the collection points of 'Fragments.'. I chose the origin of the hidden rivers, where the rivers meet the River Thames, and a few points in between, where I have some personal connections.

A view of one of the River Fleet's sources, nestled within the leaves and fallen trees in Hampstead Heath.

As I prepare to unveil 'Fragments', I find myself reflecting on the connections that have brought me to this moment. My exploration of London's hidden rivers has sparked a deep curiosity and respect for the layers of relics, memories, and stories embedded in the ground we walk on every day.

Through this art installation, I hope to bring the presence of these rivers back to life, allowing their narratives to flow alongside our modern existence. By doing so, I not only pay homage to my own cultural roots but also celebrate the diverse stories that unite us all.

I now feel that 'Fragments' is more than just an art project; it is a journey into the heart of London and an invitation to engage with the silent histories that lie beneath our feet. It encourages us to rethink our relationship with water and rivers.

I am unsure about what I might find on the streets and how these objects will evolve into art installations, so I will keep my options open to embrace uncertainty for now!