Celebrating 100 Years of Hiroshi Teshigahara: A Journey Through His Artistry

Celebrating 100 Years of Hiroshi Teshigahara

2027 marks a significant milestone as it will be the 100th anniversary of Hiroshi Teshigahara, a pivotal figure in the world of contemporary art and the third-generation leader of the Sogetsu Ikebana school. This insightful project, titled 'Hiroshi Teshigahara: Visionary Worlds', aims to shed light on Teshigahara's multifaceted artistic endeavors, which spanned films, painting, ceramics, and installations, among others. The project is designed to explore the modern relevance of his works, particularly through a series of exhibitions, performances, and talks on a global scale, all while resonating with the innovative spirit of the Sogetsu Art Center that emerged in post-war Tokyo.

Inaugural Exhibition: 'SA NI HA'

As a kick-off to this ambitious project, the opening exhibition named 'SA NI HA' will be held from June 7 to July 6, 2025, at the Sogetsu Foundation venue in Akasaka, Tokyo. This exhibition will delve into Teshigahara's artistic thought processes by juxtaposing his ceramic works with Isamu Noguchi's renowned stone garden, further enriching the dialogue between the two artists.

Notably, the exhibition will recreate the layout of a joint exhibition featuring Teshigahara and Noguchi that took place in 1980 at the very same venue. The display will include collages that combine Teshigahara's calligraphy, inscribed on Echizen washi paper, establishing a connection between the two iconic artistic works.

Event Details:

- Exhibition Dates: June 7 – July 6, 2025
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (extended till 8:00 PM on Fridays)
- Closed: June 29, 2025
- Venue: Sogetsu Plaza at Sogetsu Foundation, 7-2-21 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo
- Official Website: Hiroshi Teshigahara Centennial
- Social Media: Instagram @hiroshicentennial
- Organizer: Sogetsu Foundation

Kiri Teshigahara, the art director for Sogetsu, highlights, "The exhibition 'SA NI HA' not only embodies the essence of Teshigahara's quest for artistic boundaries but also prompts a quiet dialogue with the audience about the themes his work encompasses, engaging them meaningfully with the depth and spirituality inherent in his creations." Such dialogues celebrate the strength and fragility found within Teshigahara's artistic expressions.

Future Developments

This ongoing project will not only present Teshigahara's second exhibition at the Sogetsu Foundation but will also offer collaborative showcases involving various domestic and international artists. Updates regarding these developments will be released on the official website and social media accounts.

About Hiroshi Teshigahara

Born in Tokyo in 1927 as the son of Sogetsu's founder, Soefu Teshigahara, Teshigahara pursued fine arts at the Tokyo University of the Arts. His dedication led him to join avant-garde art groups, alongside prominent figures like Taro Okamoto and Kobo Abe. His film 'The Woman in the Dunes' (1964) won a Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, showcasing his cinematic prowess. Teshigahara's tenure as director of the Sogetsu Art Center began in 1958, and he became the third-generation master of the Sogetsu school in 1980.

His innovative works incorporating bamboo gained acclaim not just locally but internationally, with exhibitions across renowned museums in Seoul, Milan, and Washington, showcasing the boundless aesthetic talents he brought to Ikebana and beyond. Following his passing in 2001, his legacy continues inspiring future generations.

About Sogetsu Ikebana

Established in 1927 by Soefu Teshigahara, Sogetsu Ikebana is characterized by its freedom of expression and the celebration of individual creativity. With no strict adherence to forms, this school encourages artistic expression with fresh ideas and allows practitioners to arrange flowers in a personal and unrestricted manner.

Now under the leadership of the fourth-generation master, Akane Teshigahara, Sogetsu continues to innovate and adapt to contemporary settings, providing serene beauty and tranquility through plant expressions within various spheres and ensuring the relevance of Ikebana today.