Avant-garden

See the results of experimental techniques pushing horticultural limits to achieve radical designs in our 2023 special exhibition, Avant-garden. 

View eleven works from daring artists who have evolved their bonsai practice through experimentation, innovation, and a willingness to take risks. See bonsai trees like never before: in non-traditional vessels using repurposed materials; in different planting orientations; and bonsai that explore subject matter other than the traditional “nature and our relationship to it” theme.

With works by:

• Courtney Branam
• Kevin Bennett
• Greg Brenden
• David Crust
• Michael Hagedorn
• Austin Heitzman
• Benjamin Keating
• Ron Lang
• Nick Lenz
• Ryan Neil
• Christine Nguyen
• Aarin Packard
• Erich Raudebaugh
• Spencer Staley
• Timea Tihanyi

Challenge your expectations of what a bonsai should look like and glimpse into the future and what lies ahead for an ancient art form. Step inside the Avant-garden of bonsai where anything is possible, and be inspired! Exhibition ran May 13 to Sept 10, 2023.