Channel: Flow is an artwork by Susie Olczak, part of the Channeling Water collection. Channel: Flow is a single-channel moving image piece shot in the Atacama Desert in Chile and Bolivia. This work delves into the systems that move water, drawing parallels between the water capture, terracing, and irrigation systems used in the Atacama Desert and the historic water mills and devices in gardens like Hestercombe. The film, shot in 2023, combines footage to highlight the intricate underground water networks that sustain the desert’s salt flats, showcasing how algae in Bolivian lagoons have adapted to extreme conditions, celebrating both nature’s and humanity’s resilience.

Displayed beneath the watermill at Hestercombe as part of the Test-Bed event, the film underscores the importance of rethinking water systems amidst climate change. It highlights Hestercombe’s historical water infrastructure and draws connections to the irrigation practices of Indigenous communities in Chile, who water their crops every 21 days. The visual techniques of flipping and layering footage emphasize the complexity and ingenuity of these water systems, offering a contemplative reflection on how ancient and modern practices can inform a more resilient future.