A new year - and a virtual exhibition - "Ikebana from our homes, Ikebana from our hearts"
23rd January 2021
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| The invitation for our online exhibition |
The pandemic and lockdown has made everyone adapt, and so also we at the Chennai Sogestu Study Group. With the last six months of virtual meetings under our belt, it was now time to attempt an online exhibition as well.
There was much excitement and activity in the Study Group at the start of the year, as we readied ourselves for the online exhibition. This was a completely different experience, this year. We missed the in-person camaraderie and laughs, the hauling of buckets, material and vases, the last minute changes we would have to make to our compositions depending upon the materials we got, and of course the everlasting joy of seeing the arrangements in person.
Instead, there were a whole new set of skills we all learnt! Everyone understood the importance of photography, clear backgrounds, good angles, and how to stay connected and communicate through Whatsapp, phone and email!
We did a couple of test runs of Zoom functionality, to understand what is needed, teaching everyone to mute/unmute, hide their video, etc etc! Members learnt about Instagram, Facebook and Zoom! Chitra R along with younger members like Shylaja and Suneela helping the older members on this journey. Sensei Dalley was quick to suggest music that would go with the slideshow.
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| Suneela helped create this attractive invitation which we all shared via our social media handles. |
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| Sensei Prerana and Sensei Trishala with the Consul General on the 22nd, handing over a bouquet on behalf of the Study Group |
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| Our Chairperson Riji Sensei Mrs Malathi Pandurang welcomed all the participants, including Master Instructor from Headquarters, Ms Misei Ishikawa, and Ms Veena Dass from Sogetsu Delhi. |
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| We were honoured to have the Consul General of Japan, Mr Masayuki Taga
take part in the inaugural function. He reminisced about his stint at
the Kolkata consulate, and coming across the connection between
Rabindranath Tagore, the Sakura season and Ikebana. |
It was something new for all of us.
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Sensei Molly then introduced our dear friend and long time well wisher
Mr MR Ranganathan, who has encouraged the Study Group unstintingly.
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| Sensei Meenakshi Sarin then introduced Mr M Senathipathi, President Artists' handicrafts Association, Cholamandal Artists' Village. |
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| Mr Senathipathi congratulated Mrs Malathi and team and wished us well, hoped we would meet in person soon, and looked at the unifying aspects of all art. |
Ambika then presented the slideshow of all our work, and the vote of thanks.
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| Sensei ishikawa stayed with us right through, and observed as to how she enjoyed seeing the use of tropical material in the beautiful arrangements. |
Mrs Veena Dass remarked as to how beautifull well presented and professional the exhibition was.
Mr Yogesh, head of the Bonsai association congratulated the team on the good work.
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| As we were streaming live on Facebook, Chitra Thiagarajan had taken the responsibility to answer all questions and comments - and as you can see she was kept very busy, with the audience from all parts of the world! |
And how can we not include the spontaneous hip hip hurray of Prerana at the end, and the happy smiles and thumbs up all around? A post thats better late than never!
Click here for the complete inaugural video, which includes the exhibit slideshow.
All the exhibits are here in this Facebook link.
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