Fallingwater Institute Artists-in-Residence Sogetsu Pittsburgh, an ikebana collective, presents modernist ikebana arrangements throughout and influenced by the historic Fallingwater house and surrounding landscape.
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s relationship with Japanese aesthetics was clear by the time he designed Fallingwater for Pittsburgh’s Kaufmann family in 1935, with influences felt throughout his design, including Wright’s choice of siting in direct correlation with nature.
In this inaugural collaboration between Sogetsu Pittsburgh and Fallingwater, the group explores Wright’s masterwork and the interdisciplinary possibilities of ikebana where craft, art, architecture, nature and composition harmonize. Sogetsu Pittsburgh also celebrates the important legacy of ikebana and Sogetsu in the region by including historic vessels into the installation on loan from The Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation, from the collection of Kay M. McKenna, Greensburg-based ikebana artist and founder of Ikebana International Pittsburgh Chapter established in 1959 as the 25th chapter in the United States. During a time when interest in the art form was growing rapidly around the world, Kaufmann’s department store hosted an exhibition by the Ikebana International Pittsburgh Chapter in 1969.
Arrangements by Sogetsu Pittsburgh Click images to enlarge.
Sogetsu Pittsburgh is a collective study group founded in 1990 by Reiko Nakajima and Joan Walter. Along with studying the Sogetsu ikebana curriculum through workshops, the group introduces the practice to the public and community through collaborations with various organizations, venues and artists. Past exhibitions have included projects with Carnegie Museum of Art, Phipps Conservatory, the Andy Warhol Museum, Contemporary Craft, the Cleveland Botanic Garden and more.
An installation tour and Sogetsu demonstration and workshop will be offered to the public on September 13, 2023. Participants of any skill level are welcome to discover yet another way to engage with Fallingwater.
About the Artist
Sogetsu Pittsburgh
Sogetsu Pittsburgh is a collective of ikebana practitioners dedicated to studying and sharing the modern art of Sogetsu ikebana through workshops, special projects and exhibitions. The group, founded in 1990 by Reiko Nakajima and Joan Walter, introduces the practice to the public and community through collaborations with various organizations and artists. Past events and partners have included the Carnegie Museum of Art, Phipps Conservatory, the Andy Warhol Museum, the Cleveland Botanical Garden, Ohio University Eastern and more.
Sogetsu Pittsburgh was a 2023 Fallingwater Institute Artist-in-Residence, with members presenting Elements of Balance, a curated installation throughout the historic house, terraces and grounds. The collective continues to be led by Nakajima and Atsumi Sewell as principal instructors and is active with Ikebana International Pittsburgh Chapter #25, established in 1959 by Kay McKenna of Greensburg, cultivating the appreciation of ikebana in the region. Sogetsu is a school of ikebana founded in Japan in 1927 by artist Sofu Teshigahara on the premise that traditional ikebana – originally intended for altars, the tokonoma and tea ceremonies – could be expanded and be created “anytime, anywhere, by anyone.” Sogetsu incorporates influences including modern sculpture, abstract art, architecture, and design while honoring custom and particular techniques.