BORROWED SCENERY

In the context of her master graduation project artist Zoe d'Hont immersed herself in Japanese zen gardens while traveling through Japan. This resulted in her project Even the Moon Borrows its Light from the Sun.

Borrowed scenery, one of the techniques employed by Japanese garden-makers, is the reflection of the landscape surrounding the garden. Japanese gardens aren’t just isolated natural spaces, rather manifestations of connecting interior and exterior space. They emphasize the relation between

the garden and its environment. Although a garden is often enclosed, even a wall can draw more attention to what’s

behind it.

The spatial installation Even the Moon Borrows its Light from the Sun investigates the concept of borrowed scenery by using given matter and adding what’s nescessary to reveal the spirit that lies behind the form. Within this garden two different ways of perceiving the space are combined. First the stroll garden where paths are created through the garden causing constantly
changing directions and viewpoints.

The experience of passage, a bodily experience of moving through the garden gives a sense of connection between subject and object. On the other hand, viewing platforms are created that recall zen gardens where the visitor looks upon the garden from a distance, with or without a framed view. Here the bodily experience makes place for a more internal reflection on the space.