Curator shares insight on ‘Living Flowers: Ikebana and Contemporary Art’

When I found out that LA's Japanese American National Museum was hosting a major exhibition that pairs ikebana (flower arranging) with cutting-edge art, I thought it would be a good chance to learn more about this fascinating Japanese tradition.

Ana Iwataki, a curatorial intern at the museum, was kind enough to oblige and provided the following information.

Says Ana: I emailed a few questions to Karin Higa, adjunct senior curator at the Japanese American National Museum, where "Living Flowers: Ikebana and Contemporary Art" is currently on display. Here’s what she had to say.

Joshua White ikebana photo

Joshua White photo
Sogetsu Los Angeles Branch. This arrangement of redwood,
heliconias and magnolias is part of the weekly changing
live flower arrangements.

Q What is ikebana, its origins and history?
A Ikebana emerged nearly 600 years ago in Japan. Its origins are in the Buddhist tradition of offering flowers to the dead, but by the mid-15th century, flower arrangement was formulated into an aesthetic, rather than religious, pursuit. Like poetry, Noh Theater, and tea ceremony, ikebana developed into a complex philosophy or school of thought, called kado, or “the way of flowers.” When someone embarks on the study of ikebana, it is a lifetime pursuit.

Q What are the ideas and principles behind ikebana?
A Although there are many different styles or schools of ikebana, most compositions are fundamentally made up of three components, signifying heaven, earth and man.

An essential part of ikebana is the beauty of the space between its components: empty or negative space. Asymmetry and the choice of vessel or vase are also important parts of the practice. The Japanese characters that form the word “ikebana” literally signify “life” or “living” and “flowers.”

Q How did you come up with the concept for this exhibit?
A Several years ago I noticed elements in contemporary art that reminded me of ikebana. I wondered what it would be like to exhibit these two different forms of art, with different histories, from two distinct cultures together. The exhibition is not a show of flowers in art, but rather an investigation into the forms of ikebana and contemporary art, their affinities and mutual influences.

If you’re interested in reading more about "Living Flowers: Ikebana and Contemporary Art," I’ve included a few links:

janm.org/django/exhibits/livingflowers/

http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/26/seeing-things-flower-power/

latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/asia/la-ca-flowers6-2008jul06,0,3403486.story

The show runs through Sept. 7 at the Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. First St., Los Angeles, janm.org/exhibits/livingflowers, 213-625-0414.

Flower Fact of the Day: Great gardens require good planning. For ideas on how to pick your plants according to the five senses (sight, taste, hearing, touch and smell) check out this story from Detroit Free Press: freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080727/FEATURES01/807270511/1026/FEATURES01.

Jacqueline - Editor