The Hindu : New Delhi News : Flowers that speak of human life

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Saturday, Mar 29, 2008
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Flowers that speak of human life

Kunal Diwan

An exhibition of the Japanese art of flower arrangement, Ikebana, to depict seven stages of man’s evolution

Spectacular: An Ikebana presentation.

NEW DELHI: The annual exhibition of Delhi Ikebana International titled “Cycle of Life” will be held at Hyatt Regency hotel here this Saturday.

The exhibition, to be inaugurated by Salma Ansari, wife of Vice-President Hamid Ansari, will showcase works representing the lunar evolution from birth to death.

Theme

Through the medium of flower arrangement, the exhibition will endeavour to bring out the eternal truth depicting the seven stages of man’s life -- infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle age, old age, and death.

A Japanese art form perfected over several centuries, Ikebana comprises arrangement of flowers in various patterns. Unlike Western-style arrangements, a large quantity of flowers is not required and the use of branches, leaves and dried materials is as important, if not more so, than the flowers themselves.

Concepts created

Though traditional Ikebana is an extremely formalised art form, its modern version allows for more spontaneity that highlights the individuality of the arranger. With utmost simplicity an Ikebana arranger can create a sense of space, time, seasons, rhythm, emotion and other diverse concepts.

The traditional use of three branches, flowers or other objects in some styles of Ikebana symbolises heaven, earth and man, thus encompassing the whole universe. The emphasis is on creating beautiful, symmetrical lines and harmony of colour. Though further systematic growth of Ikebana is expected, it is today recognised and acknowledged as a truly global art.

Dedicated organisation

Formed way back in 1965, Delhi Ikebana International is a chartered chapter of Ikebana International and has participated in several national and international conferences. Ikebana International is a non-profit making cultural organisation boasting over 10,000 members across more than 50 countries. Volunteers from several different nationalities administer the organisation with the common vision of promoting Ikebana and other Japanese art forms.

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