"At the end of a protracted dialogue with the British Arts Council the organization concluded that they could not accept bonsai as an art form because quote: Bonsai tree growing is considered a craft and in order for it to be an art form you would have to be using your bonsai as part of contemporary visual arts practice. Growing bonsai trees is not an art form and therefore will not be recognized as such. If you want to apply for funding then the bonsai tree growing would have to be innovative in terms of bonsai tree growing or it would have to be used within an artistic project. An exhibition of bonsai trees would not be eligible for funding because it would not be considered an art form."
First of all,the art of bonsai has been simplified to 'bonsai tree growing'.
And I agree,the cultivation of bonsai trees is not art.It can be considered a craft.
There are those who grow bonsai material and others who cultivate a n d
style them.Where are the designers (assumed artists)?The "Killer Trees"?
The "Extreme Technicians"?Walter Pall in the gallery coexhibiting with a top American sculptor?Cheng,Kimura doing their magic?The "Trees with
Soul"?
They are all left out or were not properly presented in the argumentation.
Second,the council jumps from "Bonsai growing" right to the exhibition of
bonsai trees.
I even agree with that point,meaning not all bonsai exhibited are considered art.
I believe that the British bonsai "artists"were trying to apply for the status
in a properly prepaired and well planned manner.It would have been very important and supportive for the issue to express bonsai as a global
development including some historical background which roots back into
ancient art.
"It is not over yet til the fat lady sings.."...
Regards,
dorothy
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