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Helen Betts | all galleries >> Galleries >> ‘Art in Bloom’: Cherry Blossom Festival in DC > ‘Risaikuru (Recycle),’ Jon Gann
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27-Mar-2021

‘Risaikuru (Recycle),’ Jon Gann

The Japanese name of this sculpture, located far across the river in Southeast Washington, brought back memories of seven years of living in Japan, although I’m not sure they had devised that word yet. The building in the background used to be a church but has been converted into a mosque.

Says the artist: “‘Risalkuru (Recycle)’ explores flowers created through repetitive patterns of recycled materials — glass and plastic bottles, cans, and paper. When first used, they are a thing of beauty, designed for a specific purpose. However, once used, they lose their luster, and evolve into trash. Reclaiming the beauty of these forms is a rebirth — similar to the annual rebirth of the District, notably marked by the blooming of the cherry blossoms.”

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This is the time of year for Washington’s wildly popular Cherry Blossom Festival, but unfortunately it has once again been canceled due to the pandemic. The public has been asked not to enjoy the blossoms at the Tidal Basin but instead to view “Art in Bloom,” 26 cherry blossom sculptures painted by local artists and placed in locations throughout DC and adjacent neighborhoods.

Best to view in "Original" because other versions resized by Pbase are decidedly
unsharp.

‘The Big Chair,’ posted earlier:

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
1/1054s f/2.2 at 7.5mm iso20 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Zoltán Balogh16-Apr-2021 18:15
Awesome colours, I like it! V
Don Mottershead12-Apr-2021 01:19
An interesting message.
danad11-Apr-2021 09:48
Nice designs ! V.
Julie Oldfield10-Apr-2021 20:46
A interesting concept. Nicely captured. V
janescottcumming09-Apr-2021 21:52
I like the colors in this one. V
Claude Gagnon09-Apr-2021 13:13
Very lovely this nice pink one :))
LynnH09-Apr-2021 11:58
I like the colors, and I set the artists intention... but so far this is me least favorite. V
Industrial Heritage09-Apr-2021 08:19
A great idea to raise awareness around recycling.
Tom LeRoy09-Apr-2021 08:02
This one is a real attention grabber! Well exposed and excellent colorful shot. V
John Hamers09-Apr-2021 07:37
Another beautifully decorated sculpture. Lovely colors. V!
joseantonio09-Apr-2021 04:26
I wonder if they will become a "permanent" exhibitions.V.