PATERSON ZEVI together with  IKEBANA projects are delighted to announce the group exhibition New Nature, bringing together eleven artists from Japan and worldwide. The pieces themselves encourage us to rethink our relationship with flowers and plants, as framed by the principles of Ikebana (Japanese art of flower arrangement). Dating back to the 8th Century, this Ancient art form - also known as kado (way of flowers) - has now evolved into an avant-garde movement emphasizing the necessity to create new forms using materials from nature.

In today’s world, where relationship with plants has come under scrutiny, Ikebana regains its relevance as one of the most sustainable botanical practices; embracing seasonality and working not only with fresh blooms but also appreciating the decay and the use of unconventional materials. Drawing inspiration from Ikebana, the artists in New Nature engage in a discourse with plants, opening a dialogue that challenges us to reevaluate our relationships with nature.

Julia Tarasyuk is an art historian and curator specializing in Japanese contemporary art. Through her projects and publications she promotes an exchange between Japanese and international creative communities providing an insight into the local art scene. She is a co-founder of IKEBANA projects and her book on contemporary art in Japan is due to be published by Skira Editore in 2023. IKEBANA projects emphasize a modern vision of Ikebana (Japanese art of flower arrangement) through a series of art collaborations, events, and other forms of artistic expression. Working closely with Japanese ikebana artists and craftsmen, IKEBANA projects aim to highlight this traditional art and explore its infinite contemporary expressions. www.ikebanaprojects.com