Water Falls Down
Water Falls Down, 2001
by Matthew DALZIEL b Irvine 1957 & Louise SCULLION b Helensburgh 1966
Dalziel and Scullion have worked in collaboration since 1993. In their photography, films and sculpture they explore our complex relationship with Nature. Their fundamental interest in the subject matter of landscape provides continuity with well-established art historical traditions.
âWater Falls Downâ, was made whilst they were living in the remote, north-east fishing village of St Combs, Aberdeenshire. It focuses on the natural environment in relationship to a specific community, providing in one respect, a portrait of shared identity.
The film contains three distinct parts that are shown cyclically; amongst these is the image of a solitary birch sapling beside water. The scene is silent and still but for the presence of snow gently falling.
This is followed by an image of a stone in a river continuously washed by water heard at volume, as it gushes over its surface in undulating waves. The image is mesmerising and hypnotic adding to the contemplative atmosphere.
In the third part, the filming continues at a slower speed, with the swell of a bleak, grey sea providing the focus for a communal event in the village, a baptism at sea.
DVD installation
Purchased through the Contemporary Art Society Special Collection Scheme with Lottery funding from the Arts Council England, 2005
