Lizzy Rose’s indoor moss garden inspired by Japanese floristry

Incorporating video, sound, hand-made objects and manipulated plant-life, the exhibition was inspired by Lizzy’s visit to Japan in 2016 to research a precise form of floristry called Ikebana.

In practice for over 600 years, Ikebana combines geometry and natural forms, encouraging the user to observe nature and landscape. Rose's interest lies in the hidden culture surrounding this art form, which she examines by drawing parallels between The Art of Flower Arranging, a book produced in the 1950s, and the classes held today in Tokyo by the Ohara School of Ikebana.

A disabled artist with a severe form of Crohn's disease, Lizzy was forced to postpone the exhibition last year when she was hospitalised with her illness. After complications left her in intensive care, she is now reliant on artificial medical feeding to stay alive. With lots of support, Lizzy has finally been able to go ahead with the exhibition at Crate.

"The process of entropy and my ability to control it is pertinent to me as a human being as I have a severe illness which means I am very aware of myself as a creative and decaying form,” says Lizzy. “This work is very important to me as it marks an important stage in my journey. It shows that it is possible to come through serious health problems and not just be defined by them.

"The exhibition is about the beauty of nature and the power of magic. I grew up in my mother’s flower shop, I love the history and traditions of floristry and I was interested to explore a different culture’s attitude to floristry and nature."

Arrangement was funded by the Arts Council, The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation and Crate, and is part of Margate Festival.