Hosted by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, organized in cooperation with JIKAD and the Consulate General of Japan in Istanbul, the "Japanese Sakura Breeze in Izmir" events began with the "Wabi Sabi" exhibition opened at the Ahmed Adnan Saygun Art Center (AASSM).
Organized in cooperation with Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, Japan Izmir Intercultural Friendship Association (JIKAD) and the Consulate General of Japan in Istanbul, the "Japanese Sakura Breeze in Izmir" events began with the "Wabi-Sabi Painting Exhibition" opened at the Ahmed Adnan Saygun Art Center (AASSM). The opening of the event was attended by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Dr. Zafer Levent Yıldır, Consul General of Japan in Istanbul Keichi Kasahara, Honorary Consul of Japan in Izmir Neşe Gök, JİKAD President Arzu Yücel, names from the art and business world, civil society organizations and many art lovers attended. The event attracted great attention with the "Wabi-Sabi" exhibition prepared by the Japanese Art Center Lotus Group.
''Wabi Sabi'' exhibition in Izmir: ''We will carry our friendship further!''
"Wabi-Sabi" Aesthetics and Philosophy
The opening speech of the event was made by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Dr. Zafer Levent Yıldır emphasized that "Wabi-Sabi is an aesthetic understanding and philosophy" and said, "This aesthetic understanding prioritizes naturalness and simplicity. It offers balance and awareness to the human spirit lost in the modern world. The elegance in simplicity in Wabi-Sabi, the story hidden in wear and tear and the complementarity in deficiency actually summarize this aesthetic very well. I think we should all listen to this understanding."
Emphasis on Strengthening Ties Between the Two Countries
Japanese Consul General in Istanbul Keichi Kasahara said, "I sincerely hope that the efforts made for the development of friendly relations between Japan and Turkey will increase," and stated that various cultural events were organized in the two countries due to the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Turkey in 2024. Expressing that they were welcomed with great joy when they heard about this event in Izmir, Kasahara said, "We have stepped into a new century and we aim to carry these relations even higher."
Messages of Collaboration and Cooperation
Japanese Honorary Consul in Izmir Neşe Gök stated that they will continue to strengthen this bridge of friendship and trade for Izmir friends who wish to build more bridges with Japan. JİKAD President Arzu Yücel said, "We are here today thanks to this cooperation and I hope our event will reach a wider audience and be an enjoyable experience." Yücel said that they will continue to contribute to projects that will strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries by introducing Japanese culture.
''Wabi Sabi'' exhibition in Izmir: ''We will carry our friendship even further!''
Event Program and Opportunities Offered to Participants
Exhibition manager Aynur Küçükyalçın provided information about the works and artists to the participants. The event will last for three days and Izmir residents will have the opportunity to get to know Japanese art and culture more closely. In addition to the exhibitions that will be open until March 4, various seminars, film screenings, mini concerts and promotions about Japanese culture will also be held.
Source: https://www.gazeteyenigun.com.tr/haber/23999836/izmirde-wabi-sabi-sergisi-dostlugümüz-daha-ileriye-tasiyacagiz