CHENNAI: Rising interest in bonsai was evident at the third annual exhibition of the Bodhi Bonsai Association of Chennai. The exhibition, that will feature 70 bonsai trees over four days, is expected to generate more interest in the Japanese art form. The exhibition is being held at the Indo Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Teynampet and was inaugurated by Kayoko Furukawa, Consul of the Japanese Consulate in Chennai. Speaking at the inauguration, Furukawa expressed surprise over bonsai’s penetration in Chennai.
“My husband and I walked into a flower shop in Kotturpuram and saw a number of bonsai plants there. It was surprising because in Japan it is very difficult to find bonsai. But it was there in a small shop in Chennai,” said Furukawa.
Speaking about the art form from her native land, Furukawa noted that it was the only ‘living art’. “Bonsai is different from other art form in that way. When you finish a painting it is there and it is not alive. But a bonsai tree is a living thing. That’s its beauty,” she said.
The exhibition also featured two live demonstrations by Bodhi members, Suseela Vergis and Dr Yogesh Bhuvaneshwar, on different styles of bonsai.
The association, which is currently 25 strong, aims to increase awareness and interest in the art form. “We have been meeting for around seven years. We meet once a month at a park and display our bonsai work and take suggestions and guidance from other members,” says Molly Cherian, president of the Bodhi Bonsai Association of Chennai.
“There are some who come up with the idea of making a quick buck out of bonsai without realising the years that go into the creation of a good specimen of the art form. Bonsai teaches you patience, and is hence a stress-buster,” she adds.
The association stays in touch online and has a blog with information on exhibitions, meetings and memberships.