Although Wabi-sabi can be hard to define, we can translate its simplified meaning to “rustic simplicity” or “understated elegance” with a focus on a less-is-more mentality, while “taking pleasure in the imperfect”. It is easily applied in everyday life. The relentless pursuit of perfection — in possessions, relationships, achievements — often leads to stress, anxiety, depression and hasty judgement.

Wabi-sabi offers an escape from the modern world’s obsession with perfection and accepts imperfections as all the more meaningful — and, in their own way, beautiful. This Japanese concept can help you create a happier home and feel more content with life as it is, rather than always wishing for more.

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It is also known as Kadō (“way of flowers”). The tradition dates back to the 7th century when floral offerings were made at altars. Later, they were placed in the tokonoma (alcove) of a home. In contrast to the western habits of casually placing flowers in a vase, ikebana aims to bring out the inner qualities of flowers and other live materials within certain rules of construction and ultimately — express emotion.

What is Wabi-Sabi Flower Arrangement Genesis NFT

This NFT series is limited to 1,000 pieces for the first time, and is issued on the Ethereum blockchain through the leading Slash platform in Singapore with the ERC-721 standard.

About Artist:

Born in Iwate Prefecture in 1985.
At the age of 16, Matsumine suffered a serious cervical spine injury during a ski sport he was engaged in at the time, which left him paralyzed from the shoulders down, and was forced to confronted the idea of life on a daily basis. In the process of searching for a new self in the midst of disappointment, he says, “sometimes society blew down on me very harshly, and sometimes it saved me very warmly,” and these two great winds have cultivated his powerful sensibility. Since beginning his career as an artist, Matsumine has been creating three-dimensional and media artworks based on the themes of space, human beings, and nature. His works have been “co-created” through the collaboration of art assistants who share Matsumine’s approach of connecting self-expression, tragedy, and pain to “beauty”. All living things suffer various hardships, large or small. The artist attempts to share with the viewers that it is precisely by confronting these events that we can learn to appreciate them and perceive their beauty.

Artist’s idea for creating this art NFT

I’m Taka and I’m a Japanese artist. I entered the world of contemporary art at the age of 30 after working as a designer.

My life to this date has been full of unique experiences, which gave me many inspirations.

The most striking and tragic experience was the accident I had at 16. At that time, my dream was to become a professional freestyle ski player, but during the practice I had a tumbling accident. It was a serious injury that paralyzed me from the shoulders downwards. I suffered a lot. But perhaps it may not be as harsh as the incidents that others are struggling with.

I was born and raised in a family of farmhouse in the countryside. I didn’t really have any special talents, I wasn’t living in an environment that set me apart from others, but I committed myself to take on challenges on a daily basis. It was the same with creating art. It’s absolutely crucial for me to have the help of my friends to give shape to my ideas and inspiration.

My life itself, and my artistic activities, are all thanks to the support and love of my friends.

Wabi-Sabi Flower Arrangement is an artwork that represents the challenges in my life, and the hope that I will overcome them.

Injuring the cervical spine was truly a tragedy, but now that I’ve developed the mindset to face the challenges in my life, looking back, I believe that it was “the perfect accident.” It was a seed of the flower, a trigger that allowed me to experience the fortunate events to come, nourished with the love and support of the people around me.

I thought that the rain was pouring down hard on me, but in fact it was a blessing. The seed will eventually sprout, grow and a flower will bloom. Maybe that day will come one day much further in the future. Until that day, my challenges and adventures will continue.

As a Japanese person, I’m very fond of the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, and I built my work upon this concept, overlapping it with my life experience.

It is a spirit that finds beauty in things left behind and even in things that have decayed over time, things that people do not usually pay much attention to. I prefer to focus on the beauty of a single flower rather than the aesthetics of luxury. In order to appreciate the beauty of the whole, it is necessary to know the beauty of the individual. I’m also trying to create a cultural fusion by crossing such an ancient Japanese spirit with the rose that represents the compassionate heart of Mother Mary.

In this NFT project, I’ve created artworks that express my message coming from my own life experience, while sharing with you the very simple theme of “challenge and success.” I’ve learnt many things from the accident and difficulties, and also received so much love from the people around me. That experience has been a learning experience that shaped who I am today, and enjoy the pleasures of life. I believe that it will continue to do so in the future.

May I share the love I have received with you.

I hope your lives are enriched by the challenge you may experience.