SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – Nurturing the symbolism and tradition of Ikebana, Japan House‘s ground floor takes on new colors and shapes with the arrival of the exhibition “DO – A Caminho da Serenidade” (“DO – On the Path to Serenity”).
Held in partnership with the Ikebana Association of Brazil, the exhibition features unique works from this art of floral enlivenment through arrangements.
Additionally, the exhibition provides a permanent facility for posterity and has parallel programs that portray and unveil details of this related philosophy, also known as Kado, or path of flowers, in literal translation.
Brought to Brazil by Japanese immigrants, the art of Ikebana is directly linked to other Japanese traditions, encompassed by the DO philosophy, such as Chado (Tea), Kodo (Incense) and Bud (martial arts), among others.
It is common to hear in Japan that the act of leaving a flower upright when setting up an arrangement goes back to the ancient belief that the gods descend to earth through this flower, which is standing up.
Filled with symbolism with the sky, the earth, and humankind as its focal point, its harmonious composition combines rhythm, color, and linearity in a single arrangement.
The exhibition at Japan House seeks to promote the daily practice of this art, introducing weekly ten new and different arrangements of Ikebana to the public, respecting the cycle of the seasonality of nature at all times.
In total there are fifty arrangements, which will be replaced weekly by schools affiliated with the Association of Ikebana of Brazil, in addition to a permanent installation signed by the curator.
To delve deeper into the philosophy, a unique program was prepared, which includes practical demonstrations of this Japanese art: on Tuesday, July 23rd and 30th at 11 AM.
A series of talks with experts on the subject complement the event, held every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (at 4 PM and 6 PM).
To awaken children’s sensitivity to this art, special workshops were planned for this audience. The children are taught what Ikebana means by teacher Kazue Takada, and along with her, they develop a flower arrangement in a pet bottle.
Classes take place on July 20th and 31st, 2019, at 2 PM and 4:30 PM. There are 20 seats per session, and tickets are allocated one hour before the event at the cultural center’s reception area.
Until August 4th, 2019
Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 AM to 8 PM
Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM
Free Admission