Flowers have long been a source of inspiration in art and culture, their timeless appeal transcending geographic and temporal boundaries. They can convey myriad emotions and meanings akin to a universal language that resonates with people from all walks of life. And Swiss floral artist Philipp von Arx, who will create flower installations at the Swiss Embassy’s Residence Garden and Atrium on October 13 as part of the "Swiss Art Night - SwitzerlandIndia in Bloom" event, possesses unparalleled expertise in the realm of floral artistry.
In this exclusive interview, OT spoke to Arx, who grew up in a family that has been in the flower business since 1802. He shared his insights into the challenges of creating floral installations that stand the test of time, capturing the essence of nature and the myriad personalities of flowers, leaves, and stems.
The "Swiss Art Night - SwitzerlandIndia in Bloom" event is an exciting collaboration between Swiss and Indian floral artists. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this event and what visitors can expect to see?
This year celebrates 75 years of friendship between Switzerland and India, and this occasion serves as a significant tribute to this remarkable milestone. When the Swiss Embassy approached us to participate in this special evening, we were delighted by the prospect of sharing in this historic moment and collaborating with a talented Indian art team. It presented an exceptional opportunity for a cultural exchange in a stunning country adorned with various flowers.
Flowers have a timeless appeal in art and culture. What do you think it is about flowers that makes them such a universally cherished and enduring artistic subject?
My floristic art blends inspirations that can be both bold and whimsical. For me, the central theme is nature and communication, delving into the world of colours and the diverse personalities of flowers, leaves, and stems that must be delicately revealed. I've long viewed flowers as symbols that can convey myriad meanings, akin to a universal language that transcends geographical and temporal boundaries. This enduring quality is perhaps why they remain timeless and cherished artistic subjects.
Your work involves creating art installations using flowers. How do you approach the challenge of making your floral creations stand the test of time and remain visually captivating?
Flowers hold a precious, albeit fleeting, beauty. We exclusively handle fresh, living flowers; numerous designs can only be fashioned shortly before a showcase or event. When it comes to significant occasions, we operate on a "just in time" basis. It demands steady nerves to remain composed even during the most frenetic moments. Nevertheless, this practice bestows a unique serenity that carries over into our everyday lives.
Beyond their physical attributes, how do you find flowers inspiring for your artistic creations? Are there specific qualities or emotions that you seek to convey through your floral art?
Various flowers and their arrangements, colours, and more convey distinct emotions and messages. They evoke sentiments of love, beauty, sorrow, and a range of other feelings. Flowers have served to articulate emotions during significant moments for generations. For instance, the concept of friendship is akin to the growth and blossoming of a flower. Both friendships and flowers require nurturing to flourish. A flower beautifully symbolises this connection.
Floral trends in art are constantly evolving. Could you share some multifaceted floral trends that have captured the imagination of people around the world?
When it comes to floral trends, they vary depending on the culture and location. Take Switzerland, for instance, where sustainability holds a prominent place. Numerous consumers there are keen on learning the origins of their flowers and opt for organic, fair trade, or locally sourced blooms. On the other hand, the enduring global trend of flower colours remains a constant favourite.
As you collaborate with Indian floral artists for this event, how do you adapt your floral artistry to resonate with the Indian aesthetic while maintaining your unique style?
Integrating both design cultures into a single creation is imperative. This approach places particular emphasis on significant aspects like colours and symbolism. As a cohesive team, we harmonise the strengths of these two worlds. For instance, we source flowers and foliage exclusively from India, yet our design is rooted in the freely asymmetric Swiss style.
Switzerland and India have distinct floral traditions. Could you highlight some key differences and similarities between the two and how they influence your work?
What's lovely is that, as florists, we all share a common foundation—our connection with nature. However, our cultural backgrounds diverge significantly. In India, traditional floral decorations tend to follow strict symmetry, while our approach to floral art installations takes a different path. We aim for a sense of freedom in the overall effect, encouraging viewers to meander around the installation, uncovering fresh perspectives with each turn. I blend cultural influences from every country I work in with my experiences, knowledge, and imaginative aspirations to craft each piece. Importantly, every installation I create carries a meaningful message; sometimes, it's immediately evident, and other times, it beckons the viewer to embark on a personal journey of discovery.
Your floral cloud designs blend Swiss precision with Indian artistry. Could you share an example of how this fusion of styles creates unique and memorable floral experiences?
The floral clouds symbolize freedom and weightlessness, drawing inspiration from two quintessential Indian attributes: colour and diversity. India boasts a rich reservoir of exquisite flowers, leaves, and blooms, which we transform into ethereal clouds that gracefully drift with their unconfined shapes at the Swiss embassy in Delhi. In this artistic endeavour, we harmoniously blend opposing elements, such as austerity and lightness, vibrant colours alongside calming greens, the organic with the technological, and the interplay of light and shadow.