Omaha’s Kaneko gallery explores ‘Water’
Sustaining water and improving water quality are the main focuses of “Water,” an exhibit at Kaneko Art Gallery through April 23. The exhibit explores the issue regionally, as well as globally.
The exhibit features some impressive artwork by local and international artists. We’ve seen some of the artists’ works in previous exhibits. It’s kind of fun to be able to say you recognize an artist’s work. Susan Knight is one such person. We noticed her work during the “Fabric” exhibit. So, her creation, “Water Bank Boogie,” a paper cut project representing soil along water banks. Each color represents a color code used by researchers.
“Flow” is a piece by Suzan Shutan. It represents a lament about the loss of water purity and an attempt to create interest in the toxicity of our environment to create better solutions.
“Garden of Water” combines video with chandeliers. It creates an image of rain washing out the chandeliers. A few seconds later, spider silhouettes come out and seem to build webs before having water wash everything away. Ran Hwang does an impressive job with the multimedia project.
“Go Fish” highlights humans’ neglect of water. Instead of realizing we’re part of a bigger world, the artist’s work focuses on what can be described as “self-centered.” He wants to convey “a microcosmic universe within the water world.”
Beyond art, “Water” highlights scientific advancements and projects aimed at improving quality of water. A mobile miniature lab allows researchers to work in the field with fish and other water life in real time.
Scientists also test pollutants effects on clean water. A small amount of chemical runoff can cause issues. Research works to identify ways to handle and prevent these situations.
“Missouri River Relief” works to improve awareness and care of the nation’s longest waterway. The organization believes most people don’t really think about our reliance on the Missouri River, so it’s not treated like it should be. The organization works to clean up garbage along the river.
Aqua-Africa strives to transform East African communities by developing solutions. The organization was founded by Omahans of South Sudanese descent. They have drilled nine wells in the region in the last five years. This has reduced transporting water from rivers. One positive offshoot is that children get to attend school instead of taking care of family water needs.
The Hippo Roller was developed in Africa to reduce the bucket system used to transport water from rivers. The 24-gallon plastic container rolls on the ground. It has a life expectancy of 5-6 years.
Agricultural use of water is also explored as part of “Water.” I was mesmerized by the center pivot irrigation display. It focused on the positive aspects of center-based irrigation. “RE: Lapse” creates imagery of tractors harvesting crops and center pivot irrigation systems.
Aquaponics is the system of creating the ability to produce food in areas that aren’t normally considered fertile areas. The process combines farming of aquatic animals (such as fish, crayfish or snails) with plants. They work together because the animals’ waste is fed into an aquaponics system and processed into nitrates, which the plants need as nutrients.
“Water” doesn’t beat visitors over the head with information about the issues concerning water quality and sustainability. It presents facts via art and scientific displays. Hopefully, when you visit, it makes you consider the issues facing the world and some of the solutions being used to address them. And maybe consider little things we can do to help.
For more information on the exhibit and Kaneko, please visit www.thekaneko.org.
