NEW NATURE

IKEBANA projects together with PATERSON ZEVI London present New Nature - a group exhibition bringing together eleven contemporary artists from Japan, India, Italy, Spain and the UK whose works - mainly created specially for the exhibition - make us rethink our relationship with flowers and plants based on the principles of Ikebana 生け花 (Japanese art of flower arrangement). Dating back to the 8th century, this ancient art form - also known as kado 華道 (way of flowers) - has transformed in the early 20th century into an avant-garde movement emphasizing the necessity to create new forms using materials from nature.

The title of the exhibition echoes the words of the renowned Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi: “Nature is not just one thing. The nature of trees and grass is one thing. But there are many degrees of nature. Concrete can be nature. Interstellar spaces are also nature. There is human nature. In the city, you have to have a new nature. Maybe you have to create that nature!” In his practice, Noguchi often referred to the philosophical and aesthetic principles of Ikebana - in particular its relationship with space. He recognised the need for artists to not only draw inspiration from nature but to rather invent it - constantly pushing the boundaries between nature and artifice.

‘New Nature’, PATERSON ZEVI, London. 10th June - 15 July 2022.

To book an appointment or for further information, please email info@patersonzevi.com

Press release