When Makoto Azuma moved to Tokyo with his band, he didn’t expect to find himself in a flower shop. 12 years later, the artist and musician has cultivated a new approach to creative practice through his florist Jardins des Fleurs. Former curator of AMPG Gallery (where he installed one exhibition per month for two years) and previously featured at Milan Design Week and colette in Paris, Makoto’s green projects are sprouting a healthy reputation far outside of Tokyo. We present a sampling of his work here.
How do you describe what you do?
I manage a haute couture flower shop and at the same time continue to work as an artist.
Why did you decide to open a flower shop?
One day I passed by a flower shop near my house and I saw a recruitment notice. That’s how it all began! I never thought I’d be a florist and I haven’t ever been taught or trained by anyone. All of my artwork and style of flower arrangements are my own.
You are an artist, a musician and a florist; is there a connection between your different creative pursuits?
I believe that using ‘living creatures’ properly expresses my world. To me, plants and sound are the same ‘living creatures’.
What natural environments inspire you and your work?
I live in Tokyo and this definitely provides inspiration. It is such an advanced urban city and so many things happen every day. But at the same time, Tokyo is a city where I feel keen sense of the seasons and beauty as in other parts of Japan. To devote time to sharpening my senses within this urban environment provides a sort of mystical inspiration I suppose.
What projects do you have planned for the future?
Naoshima project
Naoshima is a small island of Shikoku, which focuses on contemporary art. I am building a cactus garden in a greenhouse at the public baths.
Six Scents
This project uses plants to visualize the scents and imagined world of six world-famous designer’s perfumes. I am working on an installation for its event.
Shanghai World Expo, Japan Pavilion gardens project
I will participate Japanese Pavilion at World Expo in Shanghai next May. The theme revolves around a modern Japanese garden, and I have something quite innovative planned.
POLA Museum Annex project
At the moment I am working on an experimental project using a piece of pine. I have taken the raw beauty of pine and covered it with thousands of pieces of steel panels. This will result in the exhibition Tea ceremony: My Microcosm to be held at the contemporary art exhibition space in Ginza, Tokyo, in February 2010.
I am so amazed by Azuma’s work. He is very inspirational, what a cool guy!
~Genevieve
Comment by Genevieve Neve — August 18, 2010 @ 8:46 am