Erect comprises 6 static shots of the ocean waves lapping at the beach of a cove and the relentlessly repeating motion of the sea from 6 different angles lends a sense of place, inevitability and duration to the work. We see the light conditions change under the steady droning of the sea’s consistent noise. Tall sticks and driftwood can be seen protruding upright at the water’s edge. A large gathering of similar objects extends the width of the cove and continues backwards towards land in an irregular formation. It is clear they have been deliberately placed into the sand with considerable human endeavour and each different shot reveals that they gradually ascend the rocky cliffs that meet the beach. Rather than an act of defiance against the sea, it feels more like a dialogue. There is a relationship between the movement of water and the stillness of the structures. Neither seems to impede upon the other but instead produces a benevolent harmony. We are witness to humans offering something to nature, and nature interacting with human endeavour, both in tune with each other’s will and desire. It is a quiet exchange that belies the considerable force of each party; the lunar tides of the ocean, and the human labour involved in digging heavy objects into the ground with a force that defies their natural position and gravity itself.

Erect is a video that evolved from a performance that took place at the Reborn Festival in Ishinomaki in Japan in 2017. Ishinomaki is a site that suffered during the 2011 earthquake. The performance was collaborative in nature and local people helped Shimabuku place the ‘erect’ objects on the beach in a collective act of positivity.

The artist has said ‘Placing things upright. Placing the things lying down upright. Placing the trees and stones that lie on the beach upright. With the collaboration of many people, we will place many things in an upright position. We will also try to put our energy together to place huge driftwood in an upright position. Our actions should make something that lies in our hearts stand up in an upright position as well.’