Saitama’s “Bonsai Sanctuary”: An Art Project Redefining Local Value

Imagining the Memories of Bonsai: The City Becomes More Captivating

The black pine featured in Sleeping Memory is a bonsai that has “witnessed” the life of the city and its people for over 100 years. Having absorbed the land’s water, air, and essence, the bonsai carries within it layers of invisible memories—of the sounds, sights, and interactions with people in the surrounding environment.

As Zvolinsky envisioned, what if plants are trying to communicate this memory to humans? Since bonsai don’t speak or emit light, we are unable to hear the stories they would tell. However, through this artwork, we are invited to imagine. By doing so, we might find that the city of Saitama, laid out before us, becomes even more captivating as we envision its hidden narratives.

The art project Imaginary Saitama will continue to promote new charm of Saitama City. Several artwork plans and curation concepts have already been selected, and the goal is to realize one exhibition per year. Thinking about the untapped artistic potential being nurtured by the artists and Arts Council Saitama is truly exciting. We can’t help but look forward to keeping a close eye on the upcoming developments and activities.