nez gardening

ZIKA21 ~ Current

New Orleans, Louisiana

The derelict building was selected as a sculptural object. The area within was cleared of debris and painted— a form of carving, defining shape through manipulation. The building was transfigured and made Sculpture. The floor was swept and materials were placed throughout the space, materials from many different times and places, and materials from the general locale. The materials were meditatively considered and arranged, and the Nez Garden was made.

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.