DŌ: On the Path to Serenity
Cultivating the symbolism and tradition of Ikebana – the art of floral vivification through arrangements -, the ground floor of Japan House São Paulo gets new colors and shapes
Held in partnership with the Ikebana Association of Brazil,
the exhibition presents special works and accompanying programming that portray and unveil details of this philosophy, also known as Kado – literally "ka" (flowers) and "do" (way).
Brought to Brazil by Japanese immigrants, the art of Ikebana is directly linked to other Japanese traditions encompassed by the DŌ philosophy, such as Chadô (Tea), Kodô (Incense), and Budô (martial arts), among others.
Ikebana Arrangements Near the Glass Facade (2019-06-29/2019-08-04) by Japan House São PauloJAPAN HOUSE São Paulo
It is said that the act of putting a flower
upright when setting up an arrangement dates back to the old belief that the gods descend to Earth through this flower, which is standing.
Full of symbolism that has the sky, the earth, and humanity as its main points, its harmonic composition brings together rhythm, color, and linearity in a single arrangement.
Over the centuries,
this culture absorbed different influences and gained new spaces and uses that go beyond traditional rituals,
giving rise to various styles of Ikebana, integrating acts that are part of the welcoming spirit of Omotenashi, such as picking the most beautiful garden flower to offer to a visitor one welcomes at home.
Curated by Erisson Thompson de Lima Junior, President of the Ikebana Association of Brazil, the exhibit seeks to disseminate the daily practice of this art, presenting ten new and different Ikebana arrangements to the visitors, always respecting the nature’s cycle of seasonality.
“The DŌ philosophy is essential for understanding Japan. From these exhibits we want to bring the audience closer to the different forms and poetics of this line of thought, as well as to its ancient practices, which are still alive in the contemporary Japanese society,” says Japan House São Paulo Cultural Director Natasha Barzaghi Geenen.
Press play and learn more about the exhibition:
Japan House São Paulo
Avenida Paulista, 52
Bela Vista – São Paulo/SP
Telefone: +55 11 3090-8900
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