Although born in Northern Europe, he launched a brand in Japan,Nicolai Bergman is a flower artist who has established his own style as a fusion of Scandinavia and Japan. and350Yuki Nara was born into an Ohi ware pottery that boasts a history of more than 20 years, but became an architect, and now expresses his talent as a potter. A session exhibition of flowers and vessels by these two people.JAPANDI-NA(Japan DNA)” will be held from this month.

We asked the two, who are currently in the middle of a heated session for the exhibition, to talk about their thoughts on their first collaboration.

Commonalities that connect flowers and vessels, Northern Europe and Japan

Yuki Nara (hereinafter referred to as Nara):For a long time, there were many people around me who said, ``Wouldn't it be fun to work with Nara-kun and Nikolai-san?'' When I was a high school student, I saw Nicolai's flower box and was surprised by how new it was, but also felt that it had a strangely Japanese feel to it. When I finally got to meet him, I brought my work with him.

Nikolai Bergman (hereinafter referred to as Bergman):Up until then, I had used a variety of pottery, but when I first saw his work, I thought it was completely different from the pottery I had used before. It's very modern and has a unique atmosphere. Anyway, it was very impressive.

Nara:When I create a piece of work, I basically don't think about finishing it with that piece alone. Since I am also an architect, I try to create works that have a certain kind of space or atmosphere, or in other words, incorporate "white space."

Bergman:When I create flowers, I also place great importance on depth and sense of depth. In terms of space, I think it's similar to Mr. Nara's idea. At the same time, it is important to consider both the front and the back. I think it's really important that something looks beautiful from every angle, whether you look at it from here or from another direction, and I think that's true quality.

Nara:I believe that the ultimate beauty of art lies in its simplicity and minimalism. However, I want to incorporate a little bit of poison into my work. Nikolai's arrangement also seems to be made up of simple and beautiful flowers, and when you notice it,1Some types contain poisonous flowers. I felt that we had something in common.

Continuing to exceed everyone's expectations"session exhibition"

Bergman:But to be honest, Nara's pottery is difficult. (笑)　What should I do when I see it for the first time? That's what I thought(笑)　The container itself is impressive, so it's perfect for flowers.1Just adding a book will do the trick. But as a flower artist, that's not the way to go. The work I used in the exhibition flyer was created by thinking about what it would be like to have a flower that has as much power as its container.

Nara:It's really strange, but if the flowers are different, the container itself looks completely different. The impression is completely different from today's arrangement. It's interesting how they influence each other, and the impression of each flower changes depending on the container.

Bergman:Nara's pottery definitely inspires me. I really like the jagged, feather-like details, but how do I use them? I find myself wanting to do more and more interesting things, such as intentionally hiding it with flowers and leaves, or using this gap to my advantage.

Nara:Nikolai also makes arrangements that exceed my expectations. So for me, I thought maybe I could use something like this for my vessels as well. Is it possible to do more like this? Then an idea comes to me. In fact, this time I'm taking on the challenge of a different type of work than I've ever done before. If Nikolai exceeds my expectations with the arrangement, I want to surprise him even more with the equipment. (笑)

This time I dare to"session"The reason I call it an exhibition is because the idea is similar to a band performance. Or tanka or manzai. I was surprised by the so-called tsukkomi of Nikolai-san, who arranges flowers in the works I made, but I have to respond properly, and I also need to go above and beyond. We're repeating this process all the time leading up to the exhibition, so it looks like it'll be quite evolved when it opens.

Minimalism dwells"aesthetics of addition"express

Nara:"Bone FlowerIn addition to the new work of ``'', I plan to have Nikolai create his signature flower box using my ceramic box, and the new vessel will include ``The Universe” is named. The roots of Japanese minimalism"Zen"I believe that the Kanazawa philosopher Daisetsu Suzuki saw a hanging scroll drawn by the Zen monk Sengai and thought, ``This is the universe.''The Universe),” he apparently said. All that was drawn there was the symbol ○△□. According to D.T. Suzuki, you can talk about the universe and the world with just this, and that this simple shape actually has a sophisticated beauty. Nikolai's flower box is exactly square. If you exquisitely combine circles and triangles, it becomes the ultimate form of minimalism. And once Nikolai adds flowers, I think this is where minimalism will end up.

Bergman:Balancing the flowers in a flower box is very difficult. Since the shape of the box is decided, how should we arrange the small, medium, and large flowers? It means creating a microcosm within that square.

Nara:I see, that's my "The Universe” was connected! Pursuing minimalism and simplicity is essentially a process of subtraction. I think it's all about how you sharpen your skills. However, I think what we are trying to do this time is to add flowers and vessels while influencing each other. It seems to be going backwards, and it is also a challenge to express that minimalism exists even in addition. It also gave me an opportunity to think in a new way, thinking that there is indeed an ``aesthetics of addition.''

Bergman:I agree. I also think that flowers make a container shine even more. It's not just an ordinary glass, it's a vessel that an artist creates with a story, and then he adds his own artistic sense to it to create a new piece of work. I feel that this is the responsibility of the flower artist.

Nara:The title of this exhibition is"JAPANDI-NA(Japan DNA)”. A style that is currently attracting attention, combining the Japanese spirit of wabi-sabi and Scandinavian minimalism.JAPANDY(Japan Day) is not just about the surface, but something more fundamental, that is, in the sense that we can communicate through our souls.DNA”, but more specifically, my role was to use the instrument to turn on the switch in Nikolai’s artistic mind. I want to keep that switch on at all times during the session.

Bergman:As we've continued this session, I feel like a different switch has been turned on for both of us without us even realizing it.

And for this exhibition, I want the people who come to see my work to feel a sense of excitement. After watching this, you might want to listen to music or try something new.

Nara:That isDNAis not it. It means turning on a switch that everyone has but is unaware of. Even in uncertain times, it can spark new and exciting feelings. That may be the main purpose of this exhibition.

A flower artist who continues to present innovative expressions of flowers that could not be imagined in nature, and a potter who pursues minimalism and creates vessels with a unique atmosphere. When these two talents meet, the DNA of Scandinavia and Japan will resonate greatly and create a new beauty. If you visit the exhibition ``JAPANDI-NA,'' you are sure to encounter flowers and vessels that no one has ever seen before.

■ExhibitionNicolai Bergmann × Yuki NaraJAPANDI-NA(Japan DNA)”

Date and time:2021Years12Month15Day(Wed)~2022Years1Month14Day(Fri) 11: 00~18:00　※ 2021Years12Month29Sun ~1Month4day off
place:Nicolai Bergmann Flowers & Design Flagship Store 2F
Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo5-7-2 2F
Fee: Free　Sponsorship : Nicolai Bergmann K.K. / UENO JAPANKabushiki Kaisha(KK)

nicolai bergman　Nicolai Bergmann

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark.1998In 2010, she started working at a flower shop in Japan.2000In 2011, she invented the flower box arrangement, which became extremely popular as a unique floral style.2001Year"Nicolai Bergmann Flowers & Design” brand creation.Their unique flower designs, which combine European flower design styles with Japanese attention to detail and well-trained craftsmanship, have earned recognition not only in Japan but also overseas. Currently in Japan and overseas13Operated flower boutiques and cafes. He is also involved in various projects in the fields of fashion and interior design.

Yuki Nara

Born in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture.350His father was Mr. Chozaemon Ohi, the 11th generation of Ohi ware, which has a history of more than 20 years, and his grandfather, the 10th generation (currently Tojisai Ohi), was a recipient of the Order of Culture. He studied architecture at Tokyo University of the Arts and graduated at the top of his class from the same university's graduate school (Graduate School of Fine Arts, majoring in architecture). AlsoHe also graduated at the top of his class at the Tajimi City Ceramic Design Institute. architectural design lab EARTHEN President.2021In 2017, the ``gateway to success for young architects''Under 35 Architects exhibition　2021” was also selected as a finalist,He is also attracting attention as an architect. He made use of his architectural skills,3D CADA flower vase designed and produced by making full use ofBone Flower” is also housed in the Nezu Art Museum in Tokyo.