Saying it through flowers

Floral Art Society of Pakistan held a demonstration of flower arrangements at the PNCA, in aid of the flood victims.

ISLAMABAD: An exhibition/demonstration of flower arrangement was held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) here on Thursday in aid of the flood victims. Titled, ‘Through the Language of Flowers’, the show was organised by the Floral Art Society of Pakistan. Though well intentioned, it was a non-event from the get go, a mere excuse for the society members to get together.

It appeared that the organisers had not made adequate preparations for the show as the demonstration of this art by the participants was not up to the mark.

The poor stage management also affected the presentations which had mostly been brought to the show in a finished form that was disappointing as the arrangements were not assembled before the audience, who usually come to these ikebana shows to learn about the flower arrangement techniques, which is basically a Japanese art form and consists of creating stunning combinations from ordinary flowers and other supportive materials. The arrangements were also not very creative as a whole lot of flowers were used to make the bouquets. The ikebana art consists of economy of material and stresses on its creative use to bring about a dramatic effect.

The show was not entirely without merit. A couple of ikebana artists were impressive in the demonstration of their skills. Ms Farhan Azim from Islamabad was one of them. Her arrangements were stunning.

Inspired by the Sugetsu School of Ikebana, or Japanese floral arrangement, Azim brought to life an otherwise ordinary floral structure. She enlivened it with a plethora of crimson flowers adding a special stage presence to match.

The show could have been more successful if the organisers had rehearsed their act. It is hoped that the show would become better in subsequent performances as the exhibition will continue for another couple of days.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th, 2010.