Art Appreciation: Bonsai

By: Mangyan Bonsai

Little trees, dwarfed trees - these are some of the names people have called bonsai. Bonsai, by definition, means an ornamental tree or shrub grown in a pot and artificially prevented from reaching its normal size. It was derived from the Japanese terms: 

Bon - which means tray

and 

sai - which means planting

(Source: Google)

Bonsai symbolizes harmony, peace, order of thoughts and balance. This Japanese art entails a lot of patience as you will not get the result you want instantly. A bonsai can reach its potential or ideal look in as early as two years, some will take more. (Source: Mangyan Bonsai)

Bonsai comes in different sizes. They are classified according to height. Shown below is an image of bonsai(s) in different sizes, in reference to human's height. 

Art Appreciation: Untitled by Ambit Mendoza

Started to appreciate them again on my birthday week, so Level 4 SM Megamall is where my feet led me. 

Let's start with Ambit Mendoza. She opened her first solo exhibit last November 23, Untitled, which showcases oil-based, bonsai-inspired paintings. The exhibit also displays bonsais of various bonsai artist including Mangyan Bonsai. Exhibit will run until December 4. 

Enjoy photos below, both of her paintings and the bonsais. 

Nice poster right?