A Walk Amongst the Trees
Dedicated to the memory of Dr Adrian Allen OAM and Mark Flint
In honour of the momentous 55/30 anniversary of the University as a distinguished educational institution, a captivating art exhibition was curated, paying tribute to the Japanese Garden. This exhibition proudly brought together a consortium of exceptionally talented artists who were carefully selected for their mastery across a diverse range of mediums. These artists shared a common inspiration – the awe-inspiring Japanese Garden. While each artist contributed their own unique aesthetic beauty to the exhibition, they were united by a strong conceptual foundation that underlies their creative endeavours.
Through this collaborative effort, ‘A Walk Amongst the Trees’ aimed to present the iconic Japanese Garden in a manner that had never been witnessed before. The Garden is one of Australia's largest and most traditionally designed Japanese stroll garden. Ju Raku En is a relatively young garden and it will take many years for it to be considered complete. The master plan and design for the garden, community building, and tea house were prepared in Japan after site analysis and intensive background studies by staff of the Nakane Garden Research. Construction commenced in 1983 after three years of planning.
Ju Raku En is a presentation of Buddhist paradise with the celestial sea (the lake) lapping the rocky shores of the three islands where the immortals are said to dwell. The material world is the outer edge of the lake and a symbolic journal to paradise may be made by crossing one of the four bridges to the islands.
The exhibition served as a platform for the artists to explore and interpret the garden's essence through their own distinct ideas, visions, and techniques. By capturing the serene beauty, tranquility, and cultural significance of the Japanese Garden, the exhibition sought to transport viewers into a realm of profound contemplation and appreciation.
By showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions, ‘A Walk Amongst the Trees’ asked visitors to embark on a sensory journey, immersing themselves in the captivating world of the Japanese Garden. Through this immersive experience, the exhibition aimed to deepen the audience's understanding of the garden's historical and cultural significance, while also fostering a renewed sense of admiration for its timeless beauty.