Poetry created with respect for Japan and its distant culture, which nevertheless becomes a part of me. Let us seize every opportunity to understand others and prevent all misunderstandings.
The Bachelor's thesis "Hidden Nature" presents a personal poetic interpretation of the Japanese tea ceremony and the culture of green tea from a philosophical perspective. The visual representation of poetry in the form of the book "Hidden Nature" responds to the Japanese tea culture that venerates nature, the moment of encounter between individuals, and their return to human values during the timeless period of tea, when the mind and spirit calm down and regain the ability to enjoy the present moment.
This collection emerged from a seed of curiosity planted at the age of nine, after completing the second grade of elementary school in this magical land. After a few years and a return to this beautiful country, I had the honor of participating in an abbreviated tea ceremony, which lasted only three-quarters of an hour. It was a captivating spectacle of seated dance that one had to explore further. The tradition of the ceremony and its closely associated spiritual concept are an unmistakable stage that becomes sacred history. The dance around the bowl of green matcha tea gives us space to understand a tiny part of Japanese culture. This culture completely enchanted me. Now, as a Bachelor's thesis, visual poetry with my haiku has been created.
The publication consists of three original haiku, accompanying texts, and paintings. All these aspects together form visual poetry along with the alternative use of typography. The book is printed in an offset edition of 120 copies. All books are hand-stitched with an exposed spine using variable thread, which I perceive as the thread of time connecting all moments with a beautiful reference to the Japanese aesthetic ideal of beauty, Shibumi.
I perceive this work as a sincere expression of memories, moods, and the atmosphere of the tea ceremony and times in Japan. The collection is created with humility and respect for tradition and Japan, even though it is primarily intended for those around us. The book aims to evoke the atmosphere of enjoying good green tea and gently remind us of fundamental human values.
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