River of Rebirth

Z33, Hasselt [BE].

Rivers have traditionally been a source of stories. The never-ending flow of water symbolises infinity as well as impermanence. Gods travel via rivers between earth and the underworld, and the water cleanses the soul for rebirth. Such ideas and myths are found in cultures all over the world. Like rivers, they do not have a single origin. They spring from different sources, intertwine and branch out, and yet they flow uninterrupted from the past into the present. The artists in River of Rebirth draw inspiration from the many stories about water. They explore the multifaceted meanings of water as a cultural source. - Z33

Artists: Martin Belou, Thierry De Cordier, Mary Beth Edelson, Maika Garnica, Roni Horn, Lennart Lahuis, Matthew Lutz-Kinoy, Michèle Matyn, Aimée Parrott, Laure Prouvost, Jennifer Tee, Benjamin Verdonck, Cecilia Vicuña, Jessica Warboys, Mickey Yang, Jongsuk Yoon, Zhang Xu Zhan

Curator: Tim Roerig

Installation view River of Rebirth. Z33, Hasselt BE
Installation view River of Rebirth. Z33, Hasselt BE

In his work, Lennart Lahuis subjects texts and images to natural processes such as combustion and evaporation. Hydrology refers to the cycle of water on, above and beneath the earth’s surface. The text FROM OCEANS / TO CLOUDS / TO RAIN / TO RIVERS / TO OCEANS / TO CLOUDS / TO RAIN / TO RIVERS appears and disappears as water vapor in the air. The water’s journey from Earth to Sky becomes visible for a brief moment. The words are repeated like a mantra, emphasizing the eternal cycle of the water, which constantly changes from one phase to another, without a drop being lost. - Z33

Hydrology, detail. 2023. Water, reservoirs, HDPE, mist makers, coated stainless steel and pneumatic system. Dimensions Variable.
Installation view River of Rebirth. Z33, Hasselt BE
Hydrology, detail. 2023. Water, reservoirs, HDPE, mist makers, coated stainless steel and pneumatic system. Dimensions Variable.