Balance in bloom Balaaaance

Video by Lin Jianping

The Balaaaance International Florist Group Exhibition made its debut at the D+ Art Museum in Nanshan District on Nov. 27. 

The exhibition, a cornucopia of floral artistry, brings together the creative genius of 11 top floral artists from China, Japan, and South Korea, transcending borders to showcase the ethereal beauty of floral design.

The Balaaaance Exhibition is more than just a display of global floral wisdom. It’s an exploration of the aesthetic principle of balance. Curators Sammi Hou and Josa Zheng have crafted an exhibition where every arrangement is a testament to the profound interpretation of balance, from the harmonious use of colors to the precise control of form.

A visitor appreciates the intricate floral arrangements on display. Photos by Lin Jianping unless otherwise stated

“The five ‘a’s in Balaaaance symbolize the Five Elements — metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. If the preceding 'a' is removed, the remaining four 'a's represent the four characters for wind, forest, fire, and mountain, which hold significant cultural meaning in Japan,” Hou explained.

Zheng added, “This exhibition is among the few professional floral exhibitions in Shenzhen, boasting a scale and international diversity that is rarely seen. We’ve brought together some of the finest floral artists from across Asia, including some from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.”

Aritaka Nakamura, a notable artist from Japan, has created works that challenge the conventional notions of balance. “In my work, seemingly unstable objects are cleverly arranged, with flowers supporting each other and standing independently and firmly. Especially in those imbalanced parts, I extensively used flowers to further highlight the beauty of this imbalance.”

Japanese floral artists Aritaka Nakamura poses with his floral creation on display at the exhibition.

Nakamura’s preference for dahlias and butterfly orchids is evident in his arrangements, where he seeks to highlight the unique beauty of each flower while conveying their dimensionality through his art. He also reflects on the growing cultural exchange between Chinese and Japanese designers, noting the positive impact on various artistic fields, including floral art.

For Nakamura, who is visiting Shenzhen for the second time, the city’s beauty and culinary delights have made a lasting impression. “I find Shenzhen very beautiful, and the food is delicious. My affection for this place grows with each visit,” he told Shenzhen Daily.

The Balaaaance Exhibition will run until Dec. 1. 

The exhibition, which runs until Dec. 1, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the floral artists, who will be present at the venue periodically to share their creative ideas, inspirations, and techniques and engage in direct communication with visitors.

See more photos:

A visitor admires the detailed floral arrangements.

Details of some floral installations on display.

Close-up of floral installations on display.

A visitor is drawn to the beauty of the intricate flower installations on display.