This is a curatorial review on Alisher Ilkhamov’s work in the 2024 Show. Ilkhamov’s work in the show explores existentialism and the natural world.
For context on Appeal (2024) which uses Ikebana, Ikebana is a Japanese art of flower arrangement translating to “giving life to flowers”. Thus through following the principles of Ikebana, the work explores both aesthetic impermanence and existential attributes of beauty. Through limiting the process to 2D and the removal of unnecessary parts of the flora creates an organized and refined composition thus imposing a visual harmony through the work.
The choice of a dark background creates contrast between the more sinuous forms of the flora creating a meditative space- especially as the flora has been centred. The centering of this element makes it seem as though it is floating and in a tranced state. Furthering the idea of mortality and the aesthetics inviting the audience to reflect and meditate on their relationship with existentialism and meaning.
Nocturnal Suite (2024) and Street Performance (2024) showcases a minimalist arrangement of Ikebana consisting of fallen leaves and twigs. The usage of these objects as the subject material suggests a connection between decay, beauty and the passing of time.
The dark background of the work allows for the details of the curled leaf edges and the decay of these elements to be highlighted within the work. This is further exemplified with the composition- as it is centred, giving it full focus of the audience’s gaze.
Summar Glow (2024) is composed of bold vivid colours against a Ikebana composition that guides you from the top right to the bottom left as the yellow circle is a strong colour that captures the viewers eye instantly. The foliage of the work then takes the viewer down, to which the red contrasts greatly to the green. However, the work looks as though it is organized deliberately to be chaotic- both the living and the dead floral elements are arranged in a way which none dominate.
Overall, Alisher Ilkhamov’s work gives aesthetic value to decay through the Ikebana process while allowing, us the viewer, to reflect on the existentialism and our own mortality through the work.