Sofu Teshigahara (born 1900, Osaka, Japan; d. 1979, Tokyo, Japan) founded The Sogetsu School of ikebana (est. 1927), which infused the art of Japanese flower composition with an experimental spirit that embraced non-conventional materials, scales, and displays in response to the modernizing social and cultural fabric of Japan. Throughout his life, Teshigahara’s creative production encompassed works in dialogue with contemporaneous developments in painting, sculpture, calligraphy, and ceramics. In 1958, he founded Sogetsu Art Center, directed by his son Hiroshi Teshigahara, which engaged Japan’s avant-garde scene, including Jikken Kobo, Art Informel, and Gutai, and introduced the country to international artists, such as John Cage, David Tudor, and Merce Cunningham, among others. He was close colleagues with artist Isamu Noguchi and critic Michel Tapié and met Andy Warhol, who was from Pittsburgh, during the artist’s 1974 visit to Tokyo. Teshigahara’s work has been featured in significant exhibitions at Setagaya Art Museum, Tokyo (2001); Ashiya City Museum of Art and History; Chiba City Museum of Art (1998); Guggenheim Museum, New York (1995); National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (1967); Haus Mei, Cologne (1972); Palais Galliera, Paris (1971); Lincoln Center, New York (1964); Sala Gaspar, Barcelona (1959); Carnegie Institute (now Carnegie Museum of Art) (1958); and Château de Bagatelle, Paris (1955).
Sogetsu Foundation
Founded in 1927 by Sofu Teshigahara (1900–1979), The Sogetsu School reconceives ikebana’s traditional forms and functions, instead embracing individual creativity for an ikebana that is meant to be practiced “anytime, anywhere, by anyone.” Sofu Teshigahara was the first Iemoto, or head of the school, followed by Kasumi Teshigahara and Hiroshi Teshigahara. Akane Teshigahara currently serves as the school’s fourth Iemoto. As International Director and Art Project Director, Kiri Teshigahara is spearheading the Sofu Teshigahara and Sogetsu Foundation presentation for the 59th Carnegie International. Sogetsu Foundation’s Tokyo headquarters occupies the purpose-built 1977 Kenzo Tange-designed building, featuring Isamu Noguchi’s historic stone garden, Heaven (1978). Today, Sogetsu has over 120 Branches and Study Groups in 38 countries and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027.
