Gallery Opening
Saturday, December 10, 2011 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
also open on Sunday
MorYork Gallery
4959 York Boulevard Highland Park CA 90042
WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS
THE FLOWER
PHOTOGRAPHY AND ARRANGEMENTS by Zoltan A. Tokes
Fifteen years ago, Zoltan Tokes took an interest in Sogetsu, a modern style of Japanese flower arrangement allowing more freedom and experimentation. Still, as tradition goes, the training adhered to rigorous standards. He credits his teacher Madam Eika Fukui, a master of the highest order, recognized for her patience and imagination backed by decades of experience.
“During my training I often drifted away from the classical arrangements and experimented with flowers placed in outrageous settings that created contrast and tension. I became obsessed with incorporating discordant elements such as shredded tires found along the highways (orphans of violence) and their relationship with flowers. Outside of vases, away from branches and leaves, flowers become powerful in new ways.”
Haiku, a form of Japanese poetry, may be defined as a form of moments of ironic drama. Tokes feels the photographs of his flower arrangements have a similar quality; they carry a wonder of the ordinary seen anew. Therefore, one might say that his photographs have a “Haiku” quality.”
At present, Tokes has graduated to the fourth level of Sogetsu Certificates, and has frequently participated in exhibitions at the Japan American Heritage Museum, Zenshuji Temple, and the Los Angeles Arboretum. His photographs have been exhibited regularly at the Hoyt Gallery, University of Southern California.
The Artist is also a professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California and teaches neurobiology. He often uses his photographs to decode how the brain responds to distorted arrangements, exaggerated contrasts and unusual proportions.
Artistic collaboration with Inta Krukle, IMK Studio Los Angeles
