Text by Kei Benger
Photography by Yurie Nagashima
On a stiflingly hot day in April, I found myself in the depths of the mountains in Kyotanba, Kyoto. Surrounded by a natural forest of Japanese cedar, this tranquil scene had been the setting of ‘Kamino-hikarino-awa Water Ceremony,’ a creative endeavor organized in collaboration by Cosmic Wonder and Kogei Punks Sha. Lead by individuals adorned in Kamikoromo -paper robes made of handcrafted washi paper- visitors were invited to partake in a water ceremony, a spiritual and natural journey that celebrated the presence of paper, water, light, and ephemeral existences, through intimately listening to and observing a seamless flow of words and quiescent gestures.
That fleeting moment, as if frozen in time, had resonated within me for days and weeks afterwards
Listening to the gentle rustles of meticulously handcrafted paper and the almost mantra-like repetition of poetry, and drinking the spring water collected from the foot of the mountain, the ceremony had been a moment for reflection that allowed participants to appreciate the divine sources inherent in nature. As the early afternoon sun streamed through the lush trees, illuminating the contours and crevices of the paper, the pleasant spring breeze gently drifted across the surface of the water filled bowls to create subtle ripples and undulations. That fleeting moment, as if frozen in time, had resonated within me for days and weeks afterwards, engraved forever in memory.
The “Kamino-hikarino-awa Water Ceremony” was performed on the 26th of April, 2015 as part of the exhibition “MIERU Kami” (gallery Hakuden April 24-May 10, 2015).
Upcoming Exhibition:
COSMIC WONDER with Kogei Punks Sha
Exhibit “Kamino-hikarino-awa Water Ceremony”
Exhibition period: August 2 – September 6, 2015
Reception: August 2, 4 – 7pm
Place: Center for COSMIC WONDER
COSMIC WONDER
Kogei Punks Sha
Takaharu Maeda
Naoto Ishii
Masaru Kawai
Yurie Nagashima
Nobuhiro Shimura
Exhibition organized by Center for COSMIC WONDER
Under the auspices of gallery Hakuden
An art book “Kamino-hikarino-awa Water Ceremony ” is being published on the occasion of the exhibition. This book includes Yurie Nagashima’s photographs, Nobuhiro Shimura’s film stills and a letterpress drawing by Kogei Punks Sha. A limited edition of 250 copies by Center for COSMIC WONDER | gallery Hakuden
