Latest news with #Wabi-sabi
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Japanese wabi-sabi art expo for South Coast
Artists from all over the South Coast are taking hands in staging a unique art expo in Margate – the first of its kind in the country. This will take place at the Margate Art Museum during the months of July and August this year. The theme of the expo is 'Japanese Wabi-sabi and Minimalist Art' and five art disciplines will be entertained: wabi-sabi fine art paintings, ikebana floral art arrangements, bonzai tree art, kintsugi pottery art and minimalist sculptures. Wabi-sabi is an ancient philosophy with its roots in Japan. It is fairly unknown in South Africa, but it boasts a loyal following all over the world. 'The concept of wabi-sabi motions one to constantly search for the beauty in imperfection and accept the more natural cycle of life. It reminds us that all things including us, and life itself, are impermanent, incomplete, and imperfect,' said organiser Johann du Toit. He explained that wabi is about recognising beauty in humble simplicity. 'It invites us to open our heart and detach from the vanity of materialism so we can experience spiritual richness instead.' Sabi is concerned with the passage of time, the way all things grow, age, and decay, and how it manifests itself beautifully in objects. 'It suggests that beauty is hidden beneath the surface of what we actually see, even in what we initially perceive as broken,' he explained. Johann said that what will make this expo different from normal art exhibitions is that patrons will be encouraged so stand really close to the paintings, so that they can see the intricate details and touch the paintings, to feel the texture and to fully experience the various media used in creating the artworks. With these principles in mind, a group of South Coast artists recently gathered to strategise and plan the expo. Artists specialising in any of the five featured disciplines are welcome to contact Johann on WhatsApp 072 6037517 to secure exhibition space. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Wabi-Sabi: How This Japanese technique can add happiness to life
We all look for happiness - the issue is that we equate happiness with unusually big (or sometimes unrealistic) or materialistic things - a big house, a fancier car, fat paycheck etc. However, true happiness stems from inside, and can only be felt when we accept and live life whole-heartedly, one that is filled with imperfections, flaws, and uncertainty, and the Japanese seem to have mastered this technique, known as Wabi-Sabi . But, what exactly is Wabi-Sabi? We explore... What exactly is Wabi-Sabi? Wabi-sabi is more than just a technique, it is a different way of seeing the world. The term comes from two Japanese words: 'wabi,' which originally meant loneliness, but has now been tweaked to simplicity and quiet beauty, and 'sabi,' which means beauty that comes with age and use. Together, wabi-sabi is all about appreciating both life and death, and the natural flow of life. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pernas e pés inchados: Experimente isso para ajudar a drenar o fluído do edema aartedoherbalismo Undo Appreciating imperfection Usually, we are taught to hide flaws and aim for perfection, in all spheres of life. However, Wabi-Sabi finds beauty in everything - be it a cracked cup, weathered wood, or wrinkles in old age. These 'imperfections' are not problems to be fixed, but stories to be celebrated. When we accept our own flaws and those of others, we feel more at peace and less pressured to be perfect. Value simplicity Wabi-sabi places importance on simplicity over excess. It's about letting go of what is unnecessary and focusing on what truly matters. This can mean having fewer possessions, choosing handmade or natural items, or enjoying quiet moments in nature. By simplifying our surroundings and our schedules, we create space for calm, gratitude, and joy. Letting go Wabi-sabi reiterates the fact that nothing lasts forever. Flowers wilt, seasons change, and people grow old. Instead of fearing change, wabi-sabi teaches us to accept it and even find beauty in it. When we stop clinging to the idea that things should stay the same, we become more flexible and open to happiness in every stage of life. How can we bring Wabi-Sabi to our daily life? Closer home, here's how you can practice Wabi-Sabi Appreciate the old and worn: Use and cherish items that show signs of age, like a favorite mug or a family heirloom. Choose natural materials: Surround yourself with wood, stone, and handmade objects that change beautifully over time. Embrace simplicity: Declutter your home and life, keeping only what brings you joy or serves a purpose. Practice gratitude: Notice and give thanks for small, everyday moments—a warm cup of chai, a cool bed to sleep on, and the stunning sunset. Accept yourself and others: Let go of the need to be perfect. You are unique, and hence, don't compare yourself to others.
