Contemporary Context of Ikebana: Reading and (Re)interpretation
Course Description
Summary
In conjunction with the clay vessel making class, CER 4206 Sculptural Equilibrium: Contemporary Context of Ikebana, this co-requisite section focuses on conceptual development and interdisciplinary approaches to understand Ikebana and “the art of giving life to flowers.” We will discuss reading materials that include, not only the history, aesthetics, spirituality and philosophy of Ikebana, but also the ecological contexts, intertwined aspects of botany and colonialism, and the capitalist global flower industry to consider the relevant framework and contemporary cultural meaning when it comes to the use of plants in art.
We will also investigate Japanese avant-garde ceramics movements, such as Sodeisha (1948), and their innovative approaches to create “object-vases” that intersected with modern Ikebana by redefining the relationship between ceramic vessels and floral space.
Learning Outcomes
- Incorporating design thinking to ceramic processes that foster enhanced understanding of the material and how to implement rigorous experimentation for creation.
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Exploration of interdisciplinary research methodologies to expand knowledge.
- Understanding the ceramics process and vessel design as it relates to various forms of cultural production in the diverse field of contemporary art.
- Ability to develop a project independently by identifying a subject matter, artistic concept and direction of research.
- Develop cultural literacy.
- Technical competence in construction processes of clay vessels.
- Ability to present work professionally and articulate ideas in an artist statement.
Prerequisites
Once ceramics course and/or permission of faculty .
Please contact the faculty member : yinoue@bennington.edu
Corequisites
CER 4206: Sculptural Equilibrium: Contemporary Context of Ikebana must be enrolled concurrently.
Cross List
- Ceramics