BLOCK 22 - sustainable interactive installation
This installation explores the complex relationship between Indigenous communities and the land, focusing on a fragment of unspoiled nature—an environment deeply respected by Indigenous peoples. By isolating this fragment and presenting it as a still scene, the work creates a theatrical setting where viewers can reflect on the impact of human "progress" on nature’s rhythms, such as the changing seasons.
A distinctive aspect of this work is that viewers are invited to set the installation in motion by manually activating a mechanism that requires no electricity. This physical interaction highlights the direct, tangible connection between humans and nature, making the viewer an active participant in the unfolding of the scene.
We created this work to question humanity’s urge to control and shape the world around us—a growing concern given the profound impact this has on natural ecosystems and the delicate balance they depend on. At the same time, the installation acknowledges that technological progress is not inherently negative but calls for a more mindful and respectful approach to how we engage with our environment.
The title refers to oil concessions in the Amazon rainforest, specifically Oil Block 22, the area that the Waorani people, led by Nemonte Nenquimo, successfully protected from exploitation. Their historic victory symbolizes the struggle between extraction and preservation—a call for awareness and respect for the Earth.
