Kimiko Gunji will present a brief history of Ikebana and following she will demonstrate several different styles of ikebana. She will also discuss how relevant ikebana theories are to our daily activities as well as to other aesthetic expressions.

Ikebana means “make flowers come alive,” make flowers active,” or “make flowers fresh.” In order to be arranged, flowers are cut off from the roots, which means their life is biologically terminated. Yet, in ikebana, as the name indicates, the artist is expected to give life to already cut flowers. Each flower must be carefully studied to bring out its beauty to the fullest. When displayed to their full advantage, flowers enhance each other, take on new life or present an illusion of life.