Shimabuku’s Boat Trip

Artist Statement

I invite the Biennial audience onto an abra, a traditional boat that travels across Sharjah Creek. On the boat trip, visitors will see the emirate from a different perspective. They will meet workers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and elsewhere, and these labourers will meet people from all over the world.

On the other side of the water, a sign states 'ice cream with salt and ice cream with pepper', which are available for purchase from a vendor.

Ice cream with salt and pepper might sound bad, but it actually tastes quite good. For Biennial visitors, this combination marks a small adventure, like the unexpected encounter on the boat. For me, 'ice cream with salt, ice cream with pepper' is like a contemporary proverb – a metaphor for experience.


2013

This project was part of Sharjah Biennial 11

Commissioned by Sharjah Art Foundation