Abstract
Japanese gardens, which have long left the confines of the Japanese archipelago and have become a beloved presence in American urban culture, are often characterized using terms such as “peaceful,” “serene” or “tranquil.” What is the true source of such characterizations? What is the difference between a forest and a Japanese garden in that respect? Is it the absence of auditory noise or rather, the absence of visual noise that generates psychological space, constituting the subtle but irresistible hospitality of Japanese gardens? By analyzing design patterns and visual features of representative gardens, this paper shows how Japanese garden art creates a hospitable environment predicated on the selection, reduction and stylization of natural forms that allow the viewer to creatively engage with the space offered for perception. In this world, scales are controlled, the types of shapes and materials are reduced through disciplined artistic choice, and yet the result is liberating for the viewer. Furthermore, a fundamental principle of Japanese gardens, asymmetry, acts as a catalyst in the psychological chemistry between the garden space and the visitor, sometimes obstructing the view, stimulating curiosity and enticing further exploration. By showing these processes at work, this study offers a better understanding of a popular immersive art form –which a Japanese garden can be considered to be – and the deep sources of its perceived hospitality.
Presenters
Camelia NakagawaraDirector, The Art and Technology Center for Partnership with Japan, Politehnica University, Timisoara, Timis, Romania
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—The Art of Hospitality
KEYWORDS
Japan, Garden Art, Built Environment, Visual Studies, Landscape Architecture, Nature
