With the literal meaning of flower viewing, Hanami denotes one of the most ancient traditions in Japanese culture.
Since the Nara period (710–794 CE), Japanese people have always celebrated the blooming season through congregations under the cherry trees, in order to admire the beauty of flowers while socially sharing food, drinks and music.
However, if in ancient times Hanami was happening more as a religious feast, nowadays it is perceived as a fixed annual festival involving people from all over Japan, and overseas.
The real beauty of Hanami stands in its authentic ephemerality. Precisely because the blooming lasts so short, it is so special and splendous. Likewise, the blossom of flowers is a symbol of happiness and it represents the continuous flow of life. The delicate and beautiful flowers contribute to appreciate the fleeting and ephemeral beauty of life.
Like the blossoms, life must indeed be cherished and celebrated, in acknowledgment that neither will last forever.
This is why flower blossoms are so important. They express life and transience at the same time, echoing the concept of transitoriety of life. We know that this may sound sad, but what the flowers blossoms imply is that everyone can change anytime themselves and celebrate the renewal of new life.
The installation Hanami appears in this space as a medium through which people coming and going will have the chance to contribute to its bloomy growth.
The installation Hanami appears in this space as a medium through which people coming and going will have the chance to contribute to its bloomy growth.
