Mariko HORI





_IF THE WIND BLOWS ( in the history )   

   installation / found objects, video, collage / 2021


   IF THE WIND BLOWS is an investigation into the relationship between natural phenomena
   and the current society, departing from the well-known classic Japanese proverb
   “if the wind blows, the barrel makers will prosper”
   which means that any event can bring about an effect in an unexpected way.
   The proverb describes a sort of chain reaction between events and roles as regarded in old
   Japanese society, where the cause-and-effect lead to a final utilitarian outcome, the profit
   gain to the barrel makers’ advantage.

   In Hori’s vision however, this proverb is a tool for highlighting the connection between
   nature’s power and human sociality, as well as the way humanity interprets nature’s
   influence on humans’ life, shaping its collective life accordingly, or despite of it. The
   experience of the recent epidemic with its global character and upheaval, suggests that a
   new openness and respect for nature’s balance are needed, as well as a realization of the
   profound connection that exists between human beings and all living things.


   In a dialogue with Florentine art, with a history that Hori perceives as present and
   contemporary as ever, images of the wind, from Botticelli’ breezes to a present, dragged
   away by a viral wind, reach us in the first turns of a conversation Hori invites us to.
   She calls this first stage of the installation “an opportunity to think about the wind in the
   absence of wind”.

   Notes and hues, like gold and blue, particularly significant for Hori, trees, symbols of
   water and echoes of classical iconic presences, design a circular and articulate invitation
   to confront where we come from and where we wish to go.



























MAD - MURATE ART DISTRICT

The work was developed during the artist residency period at MAD - MURATE ART DISTRICT
inspired by present lives, culture and living language of Florence in what is undoubtedly a new era.

Curated and texts by Renata Summo - O'connell


The exhibition is promoted by Comune di Firenze

Organization and Coordination : Associazione Mus.e

Artistic Director : Valentina Gensini



In collaboration with Artegiro Contemporary Art,  AILAE Associazione Culturale

With the grant of Fondazione CRF, Progetto Citizens

With the support of Villa Romana, Numeroventi Design Residency

Education project in collaboration with Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze 








All content © Mariko Hori 2021