About the artwork

Rice is one of the world’s three major cereals and has traditionally been seen as a symbol of “happiness, bountiful harvest, and prosperity of offspring.” The artist created a world map using rice harvested in Echigo-Tsumari. The rice was donated by local farmers. The initial plan was to make the rice into a solid mass using resin. For farmers, however, rice is an important food for life. The artist came to understand this as she experienced rice production, and changed the plan so that the rice would remain edible even after the exhibition. After the Triennial, the rice was cooked and served as a paella for the artist and local residents at a party.