On a personal level, the tea ceremony and calligraphy constitute a way of life, a spiritual practice.
As an artist, the tea ceremony is also a tool for contextualizing a work of art. It allows one to experience a visual piece in a completely different way, primarily by offering time for contemplation. Sen no Rikyū, the founding father of this practice, said that the tokonoma (an alcove where a hanging scroll is displayed) is the most important element of the ceremony, as it sets the theme of the gathering and guides the discussion.
The time within the ceremony is unique. Even in its shortest form, one spends 20 to 30 minutes in front of a single image, often accompanied by a floral or mineral arrangement. This extended period allows for deep meditation on the meaning of a work. So far, I have only exhibited my own works during my ceremonies, but I would one day like to present the works of other artists, whether in group exhibitions or even within museum institutions.
