Chapter 1
Chiharu Shiota: Spinning webs of memory and time
Chapter 2
On Kawara: Painting the calendar of existence
Chapter 3
Tadanori Yokoo: The psychedelic pop pioneer
Chapter 4
Yuko Higuchi: Whimsical dark fairytales
Chapter 5
Azuma Makoto: Botanical sculptures in extreme realms
Chapter 6
Emi Kusano: Retro-futurism and generative AI
Ch 5 · Azuma Makoto: Botanical sculptures in extreme realms
매운김치 Azuma Makoto Botanical Art
Just watch Shiki the bonsai float up high into the frozen stratosphere.
매운김치 Azuma Makoto's Botanical Art
Diving to the deep sea, burning in the dark (burning in the dark!) / Blossoms in the water, ignited by a spark (ignited by a spark!)
매운김치 After moving to Tokyo in 1997, Fukuoka-born Azuma Makoto worked at Ota Market before co-founding JARDINS des FLEURS in 2002.
매운김치 Helium balloons carried delicate orchids and lilies into the freezing vacuum of space.
Fun Fact
Telepathic flowers: Azuma believes in communicating with flowers telepathically at dawn, adjusting his studio's music volume and humidity specifically for their well-being.
Glossary
ikebana (noun)
The Japanese art of flower arrangement, which values harmony, simple elegance, and organic form. In 2014, Azuma Makoto launched an ikebana arrangement and a bonsai tree into the stratosphere.
The Japanese art of flower arrangement, which values harmony, simple elegance, and organic form. In 2014, Azuma Makoto launched an ikebana arrangement and a bonsai tree into the stratosphere.
Quiz
What is the name of the high-end, haute-couture flower shop Azuma Makoto opened in Tokyo in 2002?
Quiz
What career did Azuma Makoto originally move to Tokyo to pursue in 1997 before discovering his passion for flowers?
Quiz
How high into the stratosphere did Azuma Makoto launch his botanical sculptures during the 2014 'Exobiotanica' project?
Quiz
Which iconic Japanese plant did Azuma Makoto launch into space alongside a colorful bouquet of flowers?
Quiz
What Japanese aesthetic concept, meaning 'the beautiful sadness of transience,' does Azuma's melting ice art represent?
Quiz
Which fashion designer collaborated with Azuma Makoto to line a 2016 Paris runway with giant, melting pillars of 'Iced Flowers'?
Quiz
In which deep Japanese bay did Azuma Makoto submerge a botanical sculpture on the seabed for his 'In Bloom' series?