Swept Along, but Not Swept Away

Swept Along, but Not Swept Away
2024–ongoing
259 postcards, instructions
Variable size

An artwork consisting of postcards from 259 countries and territories around the world. Each person can purchase one piece of this artwork. The buyer will receive one randomly selected postcard from the 259 postcards, which will be delivered with instructions after the exhibition ends. When participants eventually visit the randomly selected country, they can send a postcard back to the artist from that location. In such cases, the act and the postcard become part of the artwork, and the sender is credited as a co-creator. Sold postcards are replenished for every exhibition, so all 259 countries and territories are always on display. The work has been shown twice in Tokyo to date, and 280 people have taken part in the project so far.

Swept Along, but Not Swept Away – kraft paper envelope with the handwritten work title and the artist signature, used to deliver a purchased postcard

Instructions for ‘Swept Along, but Not Swept Away’

-Travel to the country or region indicated on the postcard you received.
-There is no time limit for this project; it can be realized at any point in your life.
-It is not necessary to reach the final destination. The journey process itself is free.
-You may send the postcard to Rui Yamaguchi from the randomly selected destination.
-You may also send the postcard to Rui Yamaguchi from any other destination.
-The postcard and your act of sending it will become an artwork, and you will be credited as a co-creator.
-The artist assumes no responsibility for anything that may occur in the course of your journey.

Photo: Takumi Yano

Swept Along, but Not Swept Away – the acrylic case of postcards on a wooden table, the flag of Alderney on top

Swept Along, but Not Swept Away – visitors beside the postcard work and its instruction sheet on an antique wooden table

Swept Along, but Not Swept Away – the stack of postcards on a white pedestal in a white brick room with exposed copper pipes

Swept Along, but Not Swept Away – postcards printed with national flags pinned to the wall beside a large studio window