Posts Tagged ‘The Gates’

Kyoto Has 1,100 Years of Culture

Gates at the Fushimi, Inari Shrine, Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, Japan is the ancient home of the Imperial Court and considered the center of Japanese religion, aesthetics, music, theatre and dance.

The city holds about 20 percent of Japan’s national treasures including more than 1,700 Buddhist temples and 300 Shinto shrines.  The Japanese aesthetic of serenity is felt as you visit the Imperial Gardens, the Golden Pavillion and the Toji Temple.

My friend, Gary Arndt photographed this walkway while he visited the Fushimi, Inari Shrine.  Gary is taking a global journey, his website Everything-Everywhere has amazing first-hand insights into Kyoto and Japan.  This picture reminded me of the Gates in New York City and the belief that the arts can bring ages and cultures together.

I have learned that Japan’s Ministry of Education is responsible for most official support and patronage of the arts.  The ministry has a conservative position favoring traditional arts and crafts and “high culture.”  The Ministry designates “National Treasures”  which include not only great works of art—paintings, sculptures, or architectural masterpieces but also art forms and artists.

Many traditional artistic forms and aesthetic genre are regarded as distinctively Japanese: ukiyo-e woodblock prints, dramatic forms such as No’ and Kabuki, landscape gardening, architectural styles, poetic genre such as haiku (the 17-syllable verse form), Zen philosophy, flower arranging (ikebana), tea ceremony, and taiko drum music are a few examples.

If you are traveling, Kyoto is the place to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.   Here at home, we can look beneath the surface and realize Japanese culture is already a part of our lives.  I have a “Zen Rock Garden” on my desk which was a gift to help soothe my weary mind.  A hand-painted teapot and matching cups reminds me of the beauty of a Geisha tea service.  My silk robe is embroidered with Japanese cherry blossoms.

Our world may seem very large, but we’re all connected.  Today, let’s appreciate the aesthetic beauty and serenity of Japan.  Joy

International Artist in the Park

The Gates - For 16 days in February 2005, Central Park in NYC was transformed into a saffron river by the artists, Christo and Jeanne Claude.

In technical terms, it was 7,503 vinyl gates, with free-flowing nylon fabric panels, placed over 23 miles of walkways.

The two artists worked on the project for almost 25 years before it’s installation in the park.   To learn more about the project, visit http://www.christojeanneclaude.net

While I could talk about the determination of Christo negotiating with city officials, or the millions of people who witnessed the event – I want to talk about the concept of “Art” .

By definition “Art” is a creative expression which evokes an emotional reaction.

Many people questioned whether the “Gates” were actually artwork.   How could orange nylon flags be considered artistic?

It was almost comical because their very reaction of doubt or curiosity, confirmed that the project was artistic.

Seeing the project come to life was something I will never forget.  I stood at Sheep’s Meadow and compared the artists’ conceptual drawings with the reality in front of me.  I walked with thousands under the Gates and through the walkways of the park.  Tears came to my eyes at the immensity of the project and that Christo made his vision come to life.

Christo once said:  “It appears to be monumental only because it’s art.”

Will you look around your neighborhood to find, and see the art that is there?   It could be a sculpture in someone’s yard, or graffiti, or even the sky colors at sunset.  Appreciating these small things can make our lives so much richer.  We can all enjoy art, we just have to look for it.

P.S.  Christo and Jeanne-Claude are working on a project in Arkansas for 2011-2012.  I hope to see you there!  Joy