Annual Sogetsu Exhibition 2024

 Annual Sogetsu Exhibition on January 20-21 2024 

The Annual Sogetsu Ikebana exhibition for the public was hosted by The Chennai Sogetsu Branch members under the guidance of the Director Riji Mrs Malathi Pandurang on Jan 21 2024 and Jan 22, 2024 at Cholamandal Artist VIllage, Injambakkam, East Coast Road, Chennai. The  exhibition also featured  two workshops titled “Weaving coconut leaf accessories for Ikebana” and “Fundamentals of Sogetsu Ikebana”.

The exhibition was inaugurated on Friday, 19 January 2024 at 5pm  by Mr Taga Masayuki , Consul General of Japan in Chennai. Other special guests included Ms Teraoka Mami, Vice Consul of Japan in Chennai, Mr Damodaraswamy  Secretary-Examinations ABK- AOTS Dosakai, Mr P Gopinath, veteran artist and and President of Cholamandal Artist Village.

The traditional lighting of the lamp by the visiting dignitaries was followed by a welcome address by Sensei Chitra Rajan. Riji Mrs Malathi Pandurang invited the chief guests and other special guests to say a few words. Their appreciation of the efforts of the Mrs Pandurang in keeping alive the art of Ikebena in Chennai was heart warming.  Sensei Ambika Chandrasekhar delivered a sprightly vote of thanks. The guests took their time to walk around and appreciate the exhibits. The function concluded with tea and snacks amidst great camaraderie between guests and hosts.  

The exhibition showcased  thirty four beautiful and subtle Ikebana creations from 11 Sensei members and 11 non-Sensei members reflecting the aesthetics achieved by synthesis of different plant materials in innovative and elegant containers . The arrangements can be viewed by clicking the link below.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/W9gpaA1buYcGZ9fW6

 The workshop on Coconut Leaf weaving techniques held on  Saturday 21 Jan 2024 focused on weaving with coconut leaves to create accessories for ikebena arrangements. It was conducted by Mrs Geetha Someshekhar from Bangalore, specialist in Indonesian Janus art of weaving. There were two sessions morning and afternoon  running  full house with over 25 participants enthralled to learn to  intricate techniques of creating a artistic form the ubiquitous banana leaf.

The Sogetsu Ikebana Beginners workshop on 22 Jan 2024 on the basics of Sogetsu Ikebena was attended by 18 participants. Sensei Ambika Chandrasekhar’s demonstration of classical Moribana style ikebana inspired  the participants to bring out their best during the practise sessions. Sensei Ambika and Sensei Meenakshi Sarin helped participants to arrange during the practise session.

Sensei Divya Selvam hosted a dinner for Ms Geetha Somasekhar and the members of Sogetsu Chennai branch.  

Sensei Pushkala made all arrangements for procurement of plant materials. Media support was provided by Ms Luna Bose and Ms Sathya.  ABK- AOTS management graciously provided for pedestals for flower arrangements in the exhibition.