Kim Boske, Kamiyama, 2025

A central figure in Boske’s work in Kamiyama is the Akui Gawa (river), which flows like a lifeline through the valley, connecting the surrounding communities. Historically, the river would often overflow, enriching the soil and making it ideal for cultivating Japanese indigo (Persicaria Tinctoria). This plant, essential to local craftsmanship for centuries, forms a near-symbiotic connection with its environment in my work. For the residents, the river reflects the ecological and economic health of the area: the water level and the vitality of flora and fauna are seen as indicators of the balance between humans and nature. This deep, layered relationship between landscape and life forms the foundation of the project.