Boogie Woogie Photography presents The Flowers of Evil, inspired by Charles Baudelaire‘s milestone of world literature invites us to delve into the duality of existence, where the exquisite and the sinful dance in an eternal embrace. This group exhibition features the creations of four remarkable artists: Takeshi Shikama, Nobuyoshi Araki, Pierre Molinier and the ikebana artist Makiko Morange.
First published in 1857, The Flowers of Evil caused a scandal. Baudelaire, with his keen eye for the paradoxes of life, famously celebrated the allure of the forbidden and the transient beauty found within decay. His poetic lens serves as a foundation for this exhibition, guiding us through a labyrinth of emotions and experiences that challenge our perceptions of beauty.
Takeshi Shikama‘s work invites viewers into a dreamlike garden, where curious flowers blur the line between reality and imagination. His photographs evoke a sense of wonder, prompting us to meditate together with him. Nobuyoshi Araki, known for his provocative imagery, captures the raw essence of life and death, intertwining floral motifs with the human form, revealing the beauty that emerges from vulnerability.
Pierre Molinier‘s daring compositions challenge conventional notions of identity and sexuality, employing floral symbolism to explore themes of desire and transgression. His work is a vivid testament to the power of the erotic and the grotesque, celebrating the beauty found in the margins of society. Finally, Makiko Morange’s ikebana artistry offers a serene counterpoint to the exhibition’s more provocative elements. Through her delicate arrangements, she invites us to reflect on the ephemeral beauty of life.
Together, these artists create a dialogue that resonates with Baudelaire’s poems, encouraging us to embrace the complexities of our own humanity. The Flowers of Evil is an invitation to explore the shadows that accompany our pursuit of beauty, to acknowledge the intertwined nature of light and dark, and to celebrate the transformative power of art.
Alongside the exhibition, Boogie Woogie Photography presenst, with Galerie Kraemer from Paris, 18th-century French museum-quality furniture and decorative art.
The Flowers of Evil ; Nobuyoshi Araki, Takeshi Shikama, Makiko Morange
22 February – 5 April 2025
Boogie Woogie Photography
The Loft
8/ F, E Wah Factory Building
56-60 Wong Chuk Hang Road Wong Chuk Hang
www.boogiewoogiephotography.com
