Sieboldhuis 'Beauty of the imperfection'

Japan Museum SieboldHuis, Gallery Yomooka and Gallery Café Leidse Lente, initiated an art competition and exhibition titled 'Beauty of the imperfection' in June of this year. The 100 participating artists present one work with a maximum size of 25x25x25 cm, within the theme 'Beauty of the imperfection', inspired by the Japanese aesthetic concept of Wabi-sabi. A pottery bowl was provided to each participating artist. The artist was then free to interpret the work according to the theme, within the defined dimensions.


I present Gift a new work inspired by the theme "Beauty of imperfection" and the associated Japanese concept of Wabi-sabi. Core part of this concept is focused on the acceptance of transience and imperfection: nothing remains, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect. Beauty can be found in imperfection.

For my visual expression I have looked at shapes, imagery and historical references such as the Tomobako, a typical Japanese packaging in the form of a wooden box, which is used for ceramics and the cherry blossom which flutters down like snow in Japanese prints.


Gift consists of two parts, a wooden frame and a base, which together form a cube.The top part is made of sawn triangular slats. Printed canvas is stretched on the inside of this semi-cubic frame. The starting point of this work is depicted in the images on all sides of the cube: the white ceramic bowl. men and petals down. The lower part is made of square slats. A ribbon is stretched through the recesses that ends in a bow shape on top.


I have a personal connection with the theme because, from childhood, I have been drawn to the compositions, sophistication, stillness and concentration that can be found in Japanese art.


Closed opening Sieboldhuis: 26 September 16.00-18.00
Period: September 24, 2022 to January 15, 2023
Address: Galerie Yomooka, Haagweg 4 E13, 2311 AA Leiden

Information: sieboldhuis.nl

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