nez gardening

6.2021 ~ Current

New Orleans, Louisiana

The derelict building was selected as a sculptural object. The area within was cleared of debris and painted white— a form of carving, defining shape through a reductive process. The building was transfigured and the initial sculpture was complete. The floor was swept and materials were brought into the space, not found on sight, but from outside, collected previously from various times and places. The materials were arranged and the nez garden was created.

The Japanese tradition of zen gardening involves the placement of organic materials, mainly stone, moss, and small plants within a carefully raked gravel patch that is meant to symbolize water. This is done to evoke the essence of the Natural World and encourage meditation about the true meaning of existence. The nez garden has been composed in that same spirit, evoking the essence of Nature, Human Nature.