Ikebana is an art form with a history of over half a millennium. Although it was systematized in Japan, its origins lie in Buddhist and Hindu traditions where flowers were used as offerings. Due to its ephemeral nature, the practice was mainly passed on in classrooms and printed works. This ephemeral form, at times intended to represent an otherworldly beauty - as one might behold upon entering Nirvana - changed over the centuries: through upheavals in the economy, power and trade, through advances in horticulture and metalworking, through modernity, wars and much more.

After centuries of strictly regulated arrangements, the early 20th century saw the emergence of "freestyle ikebana" - an approach that combines tradition with individual impulses. This gave rise to avant-garde and contemporary forms that introduced new materials and questions.
As ikebana is by its nature limited in time and large-scale exhibitions are hardly possible, there is little knowledge today about the developments that took place at that time.

Our introductory workshop aims to close this gap: with rare publications, a historical overview and the opportunity to make your own experiments.

Christian Kōun Alborz Oldham is an artist, author and ikebana practitioner. With Flower Planet, he continues the studio of his teacher Kosen Ohtsubo, a key figure in the avant-garde ikebana movement since the 1970s. The studio organizes lectures and workshops and publishes texts and exhibitions on various aspects of ikebana - from antiquity to the present day.

Participation fee: 15 €, for members 12 € (including flowers, shrubs, fruit & vegetables)

Please bring a container (e.g. vase or bowl or other object). You are welcome to bring additional material or special flowers to experiment with.

As the number of participants is limited, please register by 6.10.2025 with Kira Keune at vermittlung@kunsthalle-museum-bremerhaven.de

The workshop will be held in English, with supporting explanations in German