[Title] Jardin du Temps
[Artist] Makoto Azuma
[Date] Nov 14,2012 – Jan 22, 2013
Throughout 2012, we have explored various different layers found within the dimension of “Time.” Now, for the final window display of the year, the entire domain of Maison Hermès has been mobilized to articulate the “Time of Plants” with a genre of objects envisioned to bring the process through which plants grow and thrive far closer to the viewers.
The devices used to generate this “Time of Plants” are small greenhouse-like creations known as “paludarium.” This apparatus was invented in England during the 19th century, and later showcased at the Paris World Fair. Paludarium became all the rage among the nobles of that era, who perennially yearned for closer contact with exotic cultures. These glass-plated boxes were stocked with plants from colonies, enabling the owners to observe the growth cycle of unique vegetation within the privacy of their own homes. The result was the sense of stepping into environs of faraway lands never laid eyes upon before.
It was inevitable, therefore, that paludariums landscaped with uncommon plants were eventually spruced up with distinctive ornamentations, and treasured akin to key pieces of furniture within the home. For this window display, we have taken full advantage of the “Gift of Time” in recreating paludariums from old materials. Depicted within this realm, furthermore, is the flow of time viewed through the actual growth.
Visible in the right-side window is a modern paludarium, equipped with a water circulation system. Growing within this space are several dozen different plant species collected from around the world. They include radiantly colored orchids, plants and bulbs with their stunning roots fully exposed in this open growth environment, and hybrid flowers repeatedly bred and enhanced from original species.
The shelves of the left-side window are adorned with a number of mini-sized glass paludariums, showcasing rare plants and seedlings under cultivation – all this alongside a rich range of Hermès products looking much like handpicked samples. The impression is that of a delightfully decorated experimental laboratory.
Venturing on into the store itself, visitors encounter an ornamental paludarium placed on the first floor. Mini-paludariums of different shapes strategically located on the upper floors entreat store comers to savor the fine details of the plant life within, close up and first hand.
Water drops clinging to the sides of the glass cases are vivid proof that the plants within are alive and breathing. Tune into the flow of time in which the plants flourish, while taking a few moments to picture the days when the nobles held aspirations for exotic cultures through caring for these delightful forms of flora.
Artist Profile: Makoto Azuma
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1976. Has continued to run a flower shop since 2002, and now operates JARDINS des FLEURS – a made-to-order florist in the exclusive Minami-Aoyama quarter of Tokyo. As a flower artist, Azuma also keeps a demanding schedule both in Japan and abroad. Since 2005, he has held a series of personal exhibitions primarily in New York, Paris, Germany and other overseas locations. Launched in 2009 was the Azuma Makoto Kaju Kenkyusho (Makoto Azuma Flower and Tree Research Institute), an experimental group formed to further pursue the possibilities of plant life. With the watchword of flora, Azuma constantly sets his sights on a steadily expanding array of activities and fields.