Five Elements - Water

• NGV International

Five Elements – Water
15 May – 06 October 2009, NGV International

This winter, the Grollo Equiset Garden at NGV International will be transformed with an extraordinary installation by internationally renowned artist Master Tetsunori Kawana, a practitioner of contemporary Japanese bamboo sculpture.

The installation, Five Elements – Water, is made from hundreds of seven-metre lengths of Madake bamboo which are split into thinner reeds for flexible construction.

For more than 30 years, Master Kawana has travelled worldwide by invitation to create breathtaking bamboo installations of a spectacular scale unseen in the related traditional practice of Ikebana.

Frances Lindsay, Deputy Director, NGV said: “Master Kawana’s creation will be unlike anything previously displayed before in the NGV’s garden. This unique sculpture of significant physical proportion and lyrical power will delight visitors of all ages.”

Volunteer support will be provided by Ikebana International Melbourne Chapter 29. This year the Melbourne Chapter of Ikebana International is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. It was the first Chapter established in the Southern Hemisphere and is today regarded as one of the leading Chapters world-wide.

Master Tetsunori Kawana will be demonstrating the Japanese Ikebana of the Sogetsu School at 2pm on Saturday 16 May 2009 in the Great Hall at NGV International. Entry to this demonstration is free.

Five Elements – Water will be on display in the Grollo Equiset Garden at NGV International from 15 May to O6 October 2009. NGV International is open 10am–5pm, closed Tuesdays. For further information visit ngv.vic.gov.au

Principal Sponsor: Kazari
Support Sponsor: Japan Foundation
Volunteer support provided by:  Ikebana International Melbourne Chapter 29

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Media enquiries: Alison Murray 03 8620 2347 / 0439 348 357 / alison.murray@ngv.vic.gov.au