Hiro Sugiyama Recreates Hokusai's 'Great Wave' with 750,000 Dahlias in Brussels

Every two years, Brussels' Grand-Place becomes a living canvas thanks to the Flower Carpet, an event that draws visitors from around the globe. This year, the Belgian capital celebrates the 24th edition of this floral tapestry, and Japanese artist Hiro Sugiyama has designed it. His creation, made with no fewer than 750,000 dahlias, draws on one of Japan's most iconic images: Katsushika Hokusai's 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa'.

Sugiyama, known for blending traditional Japanese art with contemporary techniques, spent eight months developing the design. The result, unveiled on the cobblestones of the square, reinterprets the famous woodblock print with vibrant colors and meticulous floral composition. The dahlias, chosen for their variety of hues and durability, replicate the shades of the cresting wave and the mountainous backdrop.

The Brussels Flower Carpet has been a tradition since 1971, featuring motifs from diverse cultures. This year, the choice of Hokusai's print, created circa 1830-1831, highlights cultural ties between Europe and Asia and pays tribute to the enduring influence of ukiyo-e on Western art.

The ephemeral installation, which remains in place for only a few days, required impressive logistics: hundreds of volunteers helped set up the flowers, a meticulous task usually completed in a matter of hours. Visitors can admire the work from the balconies overlooking the square, offering a unique perspective on this blend of nature and culture.

Following this Brussels edition, Hiro Sugiyama is likely to continue his artistic explorations. The biennial event already promises new surprises for its next edition, while collaboration between Japanese artists and Belgian institutions seems set to strengthen.

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Written by the ADM desk based on Spoon & Tamago. Read the original article for the full story.