Medium: two channel film with sound
Locations: Japan, Scotland
Years: 2013
Two Islands is a two-channel film and sound installation; a study and dialogue between two small island communities, one in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, and one in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea.
Trailer
During the Summer of 2013, myself and fellow cultural-ecological artist Flavia Salvador worked individually as embedded artist/researchers within small island communities in Japan and Scotland, respectively. During this field study, we worked with community members to explore ideas of connection in community, identity, and nature within an interdisciplinary framework.
Two Islands is the result of collaboratively furthering this work as film-based installation, creating a narrative both within these communities, and across their borders.
Images
Two Islands Installation at EvoBox, Edinburgh, UK 
Two Islands Installation at EvoBox, Edinburgh, UK 
Still frame from Two Islands filming in Megijima, Japan (Patrick M. Lydon | CC BY-SA) 
An old settlement, many un-used homes are scattered among the small farm plots near the village center. (2013, Patrick M. Lydon | CC BY-SA) 
Patrick, Entertaining the children on Megijima (photo: Suhee Kang) 
Interviewing Natsue Okada, who at 90-years old is one of Megijima’s oldest farmers. 
Getting ready to interview a long-time Megijima resident (photo: Suhee Kang) 
Going through family history on Megijima (photo: Suhee Kang) 
Patrick Lydon speaking with members of the Megijima town leadership
This project was supported by grants from the CORE research group at Edinburgh College of Art, and from Aichi University of the Arts, with further logistical support from the Setouchi International Triennale.
The project team on Megijima included Suhee Kang, Johann Barbie, and SongYi Lee, with special thanks to Professor Isao Suiz (Aichi University of Art) and his Master’s students, Ross McLean (Edinburgh College of Art), Ikumasa Hayashi, Kei Toh, and Setouchi’s Team Koebi for translation, guidance, and logistical support.
Related projects: Human:Nature / Harvest
Exhibitions
30 April — 3 May 2014
EvoBox
University of Edinburgh, Evolution House
EH1 2LE, Edinburgh, UK