Azuma Makoto – Collapsible Leaves
At the Gallery in Omotesando’s Gyre I saw the leaf art exhibition by Azuma Makoto. Born in Fukuoka in 1976 he has quickly become on of Japan’s most famous Ikebana artists using flowers, leafs, plants, moss and grass as his subject. All of the works in this exhibition was carefully made by hand in a process that must have take a lot of time. I really recommend putting his name in a Google Image search and enjoying the fabulous photos, or take a few moments to browse his personal blog. I really enjoyed the stark patterns that emerge from his works when viewed close up!
Wow! are these REAL Plants?
Yes, all of it is real and hand harvested, hand made! Amazing work!
Amazing indeed! so much art in such an amazing country
Stunning! Gives new meaning to ikebana.
Thanks Jennifer! There’s a surprising amount of innovation going on in this ancient art!
Oh, that is just too cool!
Isn’t it? (^-^)
Quite surprising stuff. I know (or knew) a little about Ikebana as a traditional art but hadn’t thought of it moving on with the times and into more public art. Thank you very much for posting this item, most thought provoking and enjoyable.
Thanks for the comment! Ikebana is huge here in Japan and constantly evolving. It’s still very much in public view and you’ll find it in so many places you never expected to. By the way love your blog! I’m an old house fanatic and I really admire your doll house pargeting! There is a similar technique here in Japan, but with a more structural purpose and fully integrated in the lath and plaster wall. Interesting stuff!
I like this post! nice n beautiful, green world….
Thanks Luaydpk! (^-^)
That is starting to become popular stateside. Called living wall art. Not nearly as pretty as Azuma Makoto’s for sure.
Yes, it can be quite spectacular when done right!
Wow. Truly stunning! Especially the photos up close. You really do find the coolest things in Tokyo
Thank you Kaori, it’s good to have you back at the blog! Looking forward to more of the Israel life rapports! (^-^)
This is beautiful. I love the ones that look a bit like fabric. Some of it reminds me of a certain textile technique. I do wonder how the plants stay so fresh..
Mother Nature is wonderful art in itself, but Azuma Makoto has added more to its beauty.
Thanks Sabine! I agree, I wonder how he makes it look so fresh! Imagine if we could have textiles like this!
OH MY GOODNESS! I have a slight obsession with mosses and lush greenery… this exhibit is pure heaven for me!!!!!!!!!
It smelled pretty nice too! Japan is heaven for moss lovers, it’s everywhere!
What I love about the Japanese aesthetics is the understanding of simplicity. I think many cultures have their own take on simple, and I enjoy a lot of them, but there is something about Asian simplicity that I adore.
The patterns are just so sublime. I’m a bit saddened that I don’t get a chance to see them in person, but I feel so blessed that you gift us with these moments. It’s really refreshing after a busy week.
Thank you D, I am glad you enjoy it! Yes, simplicity is underrated, and not the simplicity we have in the west, that stuff is too often just “simple”, or “unadorned” or simplistic. This is informed simplicity!