Thursday, January 27, 2011

Kazuo Ohno






I know I'm a bit late, posting about haute couture when the next fashion week is around the corner, but please bear with me as I get used to the fast-paced blogging world!
Anyways, I'm sure you've seen how beautiful and intricate the dresses were at Givenchy so I won't go into that. What I do want to share is the dancer that inspired this collection, Kazuo Ohno. A person I knew was involved with planning Kazuo Ohno's performances and I had this DVD of his works I hadn't watched, so I thought this would be a perfect time to do so.
Kazuo Ohno was a legendary figure in a form of dance called butoh, which is recognized as a mix of Japanese tradition and avant-gardism. It is inspired by both Japanese and foreign literature, explores taboo topics, and involves playful and grotesque imagery.
This was my first time watching Kazuo Ohno's works, and though I'm far from being able to understand each dance, each action, I was taken at how expressive his hands were. They were captivating--it makes you feel amazed that so much can be conveyed with just the hands.

I think Kazuo Ohno's words sum up my feelings best: "It is not important to understand what I am doing; perhaps it is better if they don't understand, but just respond to the dance".

Givenchy image from the Fashion Spot

26 comments:

Kazuko said...

i've heard that ohno-san has been the inspiration for riccardo tisci's collection, now i really want to know more about him.

and i read his words you quoted and thought: tisci did well - he really must have "listened" to ohno's work, and he responded. this is how art works, no?

Heart Charlie said...

Amazing! I love learning about this, I love the quote - "It is not important to understand what I am doing; perhaps it is better if they don't understand, but just respond to the dance". - spoken like a true artist!

Winnie said...

This is so interesting. I'm definitely going to go ahead and look for some of his work! I think I've heard of butoh, only through watching some Japanese dramas though!

Also, there are definitely a lot of similarities with Asian cultures which I think is really lovely! I quite fancy a clementine now, there are just so many in our house!

Vinda Sonata said...

kiyo i really miss you! how r u? been so long since your last post.
anyway, great information as always. it's good to know that asian art had influenced such beautiful couture collection !

Anonymous said...

Now I have to see one of his performances!


Camila F.

Jamie-Lee Burns said...

Wow it sounds like a really interesting DVD - I would love to see his work!

Melmo Momoko said...

great post! I dind't know that.

Oh my Dior! said...

I will love to see his work!!

http://www.ohmydior.org/

Hannah said...

really interesting post, I really want to see some of this dancing now


Bow Dream Nation xx

Anonymous said...

oh i saw the whole collection and it was aquatically lovely wasn't it? stupendous!

Bright Green Laces

SabinePsynopsis said...

These are truly beautiful. It's been a long time since I went to a butoh performance - loved it very much.

Guiltyhyena said...

I knew the collection was inspired by Japan and Asia, but didn't know that Kazuo Ohno was an integral part of the inspiration!

Entices me to watch a butoh performance by him.

Anonymous said...

kiyo kiyo kiyo..
what an interesting post..
i love the kazuo uhno.. he's so talented..
thanks for sharing kiyo..
kisses

Anonymous said...

Great post!:)

Oh my Dior! said...

I love the last phrase :)

http://www.ohmydior.org/

Charleston said...

great post, and i love the quote at the end


www.pinstripeprince.blogspot.com

Carmen said...

His work sounds so interesting! Would love to see some of his work.

Carmen Ri.

noone said...

his work is so neat and this was an interesting read, thanks for sharing!

btw you got an amazing blog, I'm your newest follower :)

Fashion Tidbits said...

Totally awesome. I had no idea the collecton was inspired by a person like so. Cool!

phantom; said...

Glad to see you back!
Can't wait to see more of your posts :P
I must look up more of Kazuo's work, your description makes it seem all the more enticing!

Behind The Seams said...

Tokyo is a beautiful place!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kiyo, how are you doing?
long time no see
I didn't know that the collection was inspired by the dancer, the dresses are really amazing
hope you're having a nice week

♥ Marley

Anonymous said...

this is too beautiful, I'm shocked!
I'll have to investigate more about him, thanks so much kiyo, is nice to have you back :)

Marta said...

i hope that everything is fine!!!!!!!!!!

Guiltyhyena said...

I hope you're okay!! Take Care

Oh my Dior! said...

Kiyo I'm worried about you hope you are fine

http://www.ohmydior.org/