Two teams of 4 ikebana artists will present a Hana-Awase performance to live music - World Premiere.
Two teams of 4 ikebana artists will compete in this performance to live music by the musicians of the renowned Orchestra 21.
The teams synergize to craft a harmonious work of art, complemented by the mellifluous strains of Mozart's music, expertly rendered by the esteemed musicians of Orchestra 21. Orchestra 21 is regarded as the most exciting chamber orchestra in Melbourne.
Historically, Hana-Awase is a game that became popular among the aristocrats during the Heian period. Participants would choose a seasonal flower, compose a waka (Japanese poem) to accompany it, and then gather in two groups, competing to determine the elegance and excellence of their creations.
Our Hana-Awase is a mindfulness practice, letting us be “present” in the moment, aiming to bring the flowers to life. Each artist is focused on what is emerging in front of them. Without any previous planning, each team of four ikebana artists will make an ikebana work collectively, like a relay.
The first artist creates a basic framework in 9 minutes. Then, each artist adds their contribution to the existing work using one or two types of material within 9 minutes.
Inspiration flows from one member to the next, with each member of the group building on the ideas of the previous artist. Immersing themselves in the flow of ikebana and music, each artist focuses on letting each flower live and allowing the whole work to emerge naturally and instinctively.
Finally, the works of the two teams are assessed by the audience in terms of how harmonious the ikebana arrangement connected with the music.
Our special guests from Japan, Oshun Tsukagoshi and his team will join this performance.
Oshun Tsukagoshi: Oshun is the headmaster of Ikebana Shofu, a distinguished school renowned for its innovative approach to ikebana. Having immersed himself in the art from a young age under the guidance of the former headmaster, Oshun's journey led him to further refine his skills at a prestigious flower school in England after graduating from college. His distinctive style seamlessly blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western influences.
In 2013, Oshun achieved acclaim by winning the prestigious Hanaike Battle Championship, marking a significant milestone in his career. He has since showcased his mastery through captivating flower performances across diverse global stages including Hong Kong, China, France, and Holland, captivating audiences with his unique interpretations of ikebana.
Oshun Tsukagoshi is slated to appear as a special guest at the Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival 2024, where attendees can experience firsthand his artistic vision and profound contributions to the world of ikebana.
Orchestra 21: Orchestra 21 is regarded as the most exciting chamber orchestra in Melbourne.
１組４人の華道家たちがリレー形式で大きな合作を作ります。完成後、観客が２組のどちらがすぐれていたかを決定するゲーム感覚の新しい生け花パフォーマンスです。
パファーマンスの伴奏はモーツァルトの名曲。メルボルンで高い評価を得ている「オーケストラ２１」のメンバーによるライブ演奏をお楽しみ下さい。
手順は、まず最初の華道家が約9分で枝物で作品の骨格を作ります。２、３、４番目の華道家も順に約9分づつ、それぞれ別の花材を担当して、前の方が作った作品に付け加えていきます。
参加する華道家は事前にどのような作品にするかという相談はしません。自分の目の前にあるできかけの作品を変えることなく、自分の花材を付け加えて作品を練り上げていくのです。前の方々が積み重ね、眼前に存在する作品と美しいモーツァルトの名曲だけがインスピレーションを与えてくれます。眼前の作品に全身全霊で集中し、制作していきます。その過程はマインドフルネスという瞑想体験にも似た過程となります。
生け花では人と自然が一体となる創造の過程が大切です。そこに生まれる調和、生命感を分かち合い、再生のエネルギーとするものです。
観客による審査は作品の優劣を競うという体裁を取ってはいますが、本当の狙いは観客が人と自然との調和を制作過程から感じ取られたかという点に注意をむけていただくためのものです。審査をすることになるということで、観客も一層熱心にパフォーマンスに見入ってくださることでしょう。
なお、このパフォーマンスのための花材はメルボルン生け花フェスティバルが手配します。参加希望の華道家は必要な道具のみご自分で準備してください。
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