Nicolai Bergmann × Chico Shigeta Dialogue (Part 1) | Beautiful Not Just at First Sight, but in Memory
BEAUTY / THE EXPERTS
March 12, 2015

Nicolai Bergmann × Chico Shigeta Dialogue (Part 1) | Beautiful Not Just at First Sight, but in Memory


Nicolai Bergmann × Chico Shigeta Dialogue


A Proposal for Living Authentically and Realistically (Part 1)


Beautiful Not Only at First Sight, But Also in Memory (1)



This is the third installment of a dialogue series where Chico Shigeta, head of the French organic brand "SHIGETA," shares messages for Japanese women on finding their natural selves. This time, the guest is Nicolai Bergmann, a floral artist who captivates many with his unique worldview, blending Danish sensibilities with the essence of Japanese culture. The two, whose work involves flowers, plants, and nature, discuss the concept of "beauty."Part 2 here →

Photographs by JAMANDFIXText by YOSHIDA Kei




rumors | To the online store




"Nature has a mysterious power; even if we don't realize it, we are definitely influenced by it."



ChicoI was watching you set up the background for the shoot earlier, Nicolai. You're very meticulous.

NicolaiMeticulous?

ChicoYes, you seem very attentive to detail. You notice so many things, it's like you have thirty eyes.

NicolaiLike I have eyes in the back of my head?

ChicoExactly, that's the feeling! (laughs) Just your presence in the store sharpens the atmosphere. I suppose it's because this is your workspace, but it feels like you have antennas extended to every corner. Yet, I think you do this naturally, without conscious effort.

NicolaiThat's true. I don't consciously try to check every corner.

ChicoThere are also essential oils that help temper overflowing energy. They allow you to express yourself appropriately, without excessive outpouring.



Nicolai Bergmann × Chico SHIGETA Dialogue 02

Nicolai Bergmann 01




NicolaiSo, plants and their scents have such an effect. I often feel the power of flowers myself. For example, their ability to make people happy when given as a gift, or to cheer up someone who is feeling lonely. Nature has a mysterious power; I believe we are always positively influenced by it, even if we don't realize it.

ChicoDo you think plant scents also have power?

NicolaiI feel a sense of healing, energy, and strength from them. When creating bouquets, I sometimes include herbs, considering their aroma. Like apple mint or rosemary. Since flowers and scents are closely related, I think it's interesting to experiment with various combinations.

ChicoSpeaking of scents, the roses decorating the table right in front of us are popular worldwide, aren't they? Especially among women. Even with our products, those using rose water get an incredible response (laughs).

NicolaiPerhaps they have a mysterious power to attract women.

ChicoIndeed. Do you wear any perfume, Nicolai?



Nicolai Bergmann 03

Nicolai Bergmann 04




NicolaiYes, I do. Like "Sweet Orchid" from myfragrance series "floral notes"I like scents that have a subtle depth within their sweetness. But I also choose them based on my mood. My mood changes with the weather, too. Just like with scents, the bouquets I feel like creating differ on sunny days versus rainy days. For instance, bright, cheerful colors for sunny days, and calmer colors for rainy days.

ChicoSo, your creations reflect what your heart desires at that moment. The way it changes with the weather might be a bit European. I don't feel that so much in Japan, but in Paris, people are grumpy on cloudy days. Conversely, on sunny days, they're like, "Oh? You're being extra nice today!" (laughs)

NicolaiIt's the same in Denmark. Perhaps because of the short daylight hours. There's a huge difference between when the sun is out and when it isn't. It can completely change people's moods (laughs).






Nicolai Bergmann × Chico Shigeta Dialogue


A Proposal for Living Authentically and Realistically (Part 1)


Beautiful Not Only at First Sight, But Also in Memory (2)




rumors | To the online store




"I want the flowers to remain in the memories of those who see them."



ChicoSomehow, talking with you like this makes me understand what I've felt through your work. Nicolai's creations look stylish, modern, and very refined, but I always felt there was a hidden gentleness within them. An expression that lingers "between the lines." I realize now that this is the charm of both Nicolai's work and Nicolai himself.





NicolaiThank you. Japanese women often see flowers and say, "Kawaii" (cute), right? But the word "kawaii" encompasses many meanings. Like mature, simple, or even a bit sophisticated. I like a chic atmosphere, so I use that as a base and add gentle colors... like pale pink. I find that kind of contrast interesting.

ChicoI see.


Nicolai Bergmann 05




NicolaiMy shop also uses muted colors like gray and black as a base, doesn't it? Then, I scatter softer, more feminine colors throughout. It's the same with the flower boxes. The box itself is pure black. But when you open the lid, it's filled with gentle colors inside. Perhaps that contrast also applies to me.

ChicoYes, these flower boxes. They are truly unique creations. You must enjoy surprises, Nicolai?

NicolaiOf course!



Nicolai Bergmann × Chico SHIGETA Dialogue 03



ChicoI knew it! What sentiment is captured in this creation?

NicolaiFirst, to create a happy surprise the moment the lid is opened. Also, I want to make flowers that are memorable, not just for a single viewing. For example, imagine flowers on a restaurant table. If eight men are dining there, they probably won't talk about the flowers. But what if they were of an unprecedented color or shape?





ChicoThey might indeed pique their interest.

NicolaiI want the flowers to remain in the memories of those who see them. Not just to feel "beautiful" in the moment, but to recall later, "The flowers I saw at that restaurant were beautiful." I create them with that wish in mind.

ChicoImpressive flowers that become etched in people's lives... that's wonderful.


— For the second part of the dialogue, exploring Nicolai's aesthetic of "the importance of fundamentals in all things," click here →








Nicolai Bergmann "FLORESCENCE" Floral Art Exhibition Held

To commemorate the release of Nicolai Bergmann's long-awaited art book "FLORESCENCE," an exhibition will be held at Omotesando Hills for three days from Friday, September 21st to Sunday, September 23rd. Not only will there be floral art displays, but Nicolai himself will produce the entire venue space, offering an experience that goes beyond mere viewing to a full sensory immersion in the art. Furthermore, Nicolai will be present at the venue throughout the exhibition to sign copies of his art book for purchasers. We encourage you to take this opportunity to speak with him; you're sure to become a fan of the approachable Nicolai.



FLORESCENCE Nicolai Bergmann



Regarding the exhibition, Nicolai states, "For this exhibition, we are creating a single, grand artwork encompassing the individual floral art pieces, the entire venue space, and even the production designed for the enjoyment of all our visitors. It may be entirely different from the flower exhibitions you might imagine. Rather than a quiet viewing experience, I want this to be an exhibition where smiles, expressions of surprise, and joyful conversations arise from my work. I believe even those who don't often encounter flowers will surely enjoy it. I look forward to seeing you all there."





We wonder what kind of surprises await the visitors. We want to dive into the world of beautiful floral art and experience the dynamism of plants.

Art Book "FLORESCENCE"
Price: ¥9,450
Release Date: Friday, September 21st
Sales: Each Nicolai Bergmann Flowers & Design store
Nicolai Bergmann Online Store
https://www.nicolaibergmann.com/shop/

Nicolai Bergmann Flowers & Design
Tel. 03-5464-0716



Nicolai Bergmann FLORESCENCE Floral Art Exhibition



Nicolai Bergmann FLORESCENCE
Floral Art Exhibition

Dates: Friday, September 21st, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, September 22nd, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday, September 23rd, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Venue: Omotesando Hills, Main Building B3F Space O
4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Admission: Advance ¥800, Same-day ¥1,000 (Free for children 12 and under)

Ticket Sales: Each Nicolai Bergmann Flowers & Design store
Ticket Pia (Advance tickets only / Sales period: until September 20th)
Tel. 0570-02-9999 http://t.pia.jp
eplus (Sales period: until September 23rd) http://eplus.jp





Inquiries regarding events and tickets
Nicolai Bergmann Flowers & Design
Tel. 03-5465-0716 (Weekdays 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
events@nicolaibergmann.com

Inquiries during the event period
Omotesando Hills, Main Building B3F Space O
Tel. 03-3497-0360

SHIGETA JAPAN
0120-945-995
www.shigeta.fr

rumors | To the online store


Nicolai Bergmann Flowers & Design
Tel. 03-5464-0716
www.nicolaibergmann.com

rumors | To the online store