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Writer's pictureHeidi Almosara

Sogetsu Ikebana Exhibition | Ode to No.41

As a former university professor, fine artist, and Sogetsu ikebana teacher, my view on art and ikebana is that these two disciplines are interconnected. Ikebana is art and depending on who you are determines how far you'll push the boundary.


Recently, I had a solo exhibition at Surface Gallery in Colorado. The exhibition, titled Ode to No.41, is inspired by my grandmother's 1962 ikebana exhibition catalogue. Both my grandmother & I practiced this art form, however, I did not discover this connection we shared until this catalogue was given to me a decade after she passed away.


SOGETSU EXHIBITION 41
SOGETSU EXHIBITION 41


After cleaning out my grandmother's garage, my parents came for a visit and dropped off a few boxes. They believed the contents might interest me. To my surprise, the boxes were filled with ikebana treasures. I dove into the box and discovered an exhibition catalogue specific to the school of Sogetsu Ikebana. This was mind blowing and gave me chills.


I had so many questions. On the inside of the catalogue it said, "organized by Sofu Teshigahara"; So, did my grandmother meet Sofu? Did she have a conversation with him? I wish I could ask her these questions and we arrange an ikebana together, but instead, I created an exhibition in her honor.


SOGETSU EXHIBITION 41
SOGETSU EXHIBITION 41

The gift of my grandmother's catalogue was a surprise in which I derived inspiration from. Most of the arrangements in the 1962 catalogue are photographed in black and white. Pulling from this aesthetic, I created white high relief ikebana arrangements while using the interaction of light to help cast tones and shadows. In addition, the black and white photographs of my arrangements balance out the larger works.


SOGETSU IKEBANA EXHIBITION 41
SOGETSU IKEBANA EXHIBITION 41


It's been a beautiful journey to collaborate with my grandma and to derive inspiration from ikebana in an unexpected and unique way.



SOGETSU IKEBANA EXHIBITION 41
SOGETSU IKEBANA EXHIBITION 41


SOGETSU IKEBANA EXHIBITION 41
SOGETSU IKEBANA EXHIBITION 41
Heidi Almosara - Sogetsu Ikebana Teacher | Multidisciplinary Artist

Heidi Almosara​

Sogetsu Ikebana Teacher

Multidisciplinary Artist with Botanical Focus.

Colorado Springs, CO

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