The Anatomy of Unconditionality - Conversation with florist Kenneth Tang @ Village Lane
Conversation with
florist Kenneth Tang @ Village Lane
What does the concept of unconditionality mean to you personally, and how does the idea of unconditionality influence your artistic process and approach to creating floral designs?
While flowers require specific conditions to grow beautifully, nature provides them unconditionally. In today's era, floral appreciation has become more open-minded, no longer confined to specific styles. When I work with different flower varieties and color combinations, I embrace the concept of unconditionality, allowing it to inspire and shape my artistic process in creating floral designs.
What inspired you to become a florist and work with flowers? How does your passion for flowers inform your ability to create designs that evoke emotions and capture the essence of different occasions?
Moved into a village where my wife grew up, surrounded by trees and nature, I developed a deep fascination with the natural environment. The way flowers and plants organically grow is akin to various forms of installation art, each unique in its size and beauty. During a trip to France, I had the opportunity to learn about floral arrangements, which further ignited my passion for flowers. Through my floral art, I aspire to awaken people's longing for the beauty of nature and create designs that evoke emotions and capture the essence of different occasions.
The Martian Bloom collection invites people to pause and appreciate the natural beauty of flowers, highlighting their often-overlooked details. As a florist, how do you see people's connection with nature and their appreciation for flowers evolving in today's fast-paced world? Is there still a strong sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world, or do you find it challenging for people to pause and appreciate the natural beauty around them?
Before entering the floral industry, I would pass by trees in parks or next to bus stops without giving them a second glance, feeling no connection whatsoever. However, since the establishment of VILLAGE LANE, especially after opening our physical flower shop, I have witnessed a shift. It brings me great joy and a surge of emotions when pedestrians pause to appreciate the flowers and plants inside our shop. By sharing our philosophy and introducing different flower varieties and origins, I hope to plant seeds that encourage city dwellers to rekindle their appreciation for the beauty of nature and create a stronger connection with it.
What elements are you using to capture the essence of the concept? How did you translate the idea of unconditionality into your floral installation for the exhibition "The Anatomy of Unconditionality"?
In capturing the essence of the concept, I embrace a different form of accepting nature. I believe that the posture of flowers and leaves not only reflects their natural patterns but also integrates and manifests a transient beauty in any condition. For "The Anatomy of Unconditionality" exhibition, I utilise various materials to showcase the unique beauty and texture of flowers, leaves, and plants. While I do not overly focus on specific colour tones, I trust the colour palette provided by nature to naturally harmonise with the concept of unconditionality.