[Detail of 자수조각보 Wrapping cloth with flora and fauna, 2023. Heehwa Jo 조희화]
As we step into September, The Museum of East Asian Art (MEAA) in Bath has carried out an autumnal ‘refresh’ of its popular exhibition In Bloom, which celebrates the beauty and symbolism of flowers in East Asian art.
To mark the change of seasons from summer to autumn, a newly curated selection of objects from MEAA’s collection will be on display, alongside embroidery by contemporary artist Heehwa Jo.
‘The flower celebrations continue at MEAA,’ says Exhibitions Manager, Eden Coffey-Cockram. ‘While spring and summer are known for their bright blooms, autumn and winter flowers bring a beauty of their own. With vibrant chrysanthemums and delicate winter plum blossoms, the museum is bursting with seasonal colour and is still very much in bloom!’
As part of the refreshed display, MEAA is delighted to welcome Heehwa Jo 조희화, a London-based Korean embroidery artist, as the newest contemporary artist in In Bloom. Jo combines traditional Korean craft with modern design, creating exquisite embroidered textiles decorated with floral motifs.
‘Heehwa Jo’s embroidery is nothing short of extraordinary,’ says Eden. Her work brings together traditional techniques with a contemporary twist. Each piece is full of playful symbolism and crafted with remarkable precision. We’re thrilled to showcase her intricate floral textiles from 2 September 2025 – a must-see for embroidery and textile lovers.’
Detail of 장생문 붓주머니 Brush pouch with longevity designs, 2021. Heehwa Jo 조희화
Jo’s work is exhibited alongside contemporary pieces by Lihong Bai, Ieong Tong Pak, and Wen-Hsi Harman.
Visitors can also continue to enjoy Hiroko Imada’s cherry blossom installation, Sakura Saku 桜咲く. This immersive work invites you to walk through thirteen paper scrolls suspended from the ceiling, each printed with cherry blossom flowers.
The museum is also showing a new commission of paper flowers by London-based artist Kristen Kong at Campbell Workshop. Inspired by our collection, Kong has created a display featuring chrysanthemums, pine, and camellias to reflect the changing seasons.
Chrysanthemum, Pine and Camellia, 2025.
Kristen Kong (Campbell Workshop)
Visitors can also take a piece of art home with them, with Campbell Workshop’s paper flower kits available to purchase in the Museum shop – offering a chance to create your own floral masterpiece at home.
In Bloom is a celebration of the enduring influence and symbolism of flowers in East Asian art, showcasing museum objects alongside a diverse range of artworks inspired by flowers.
For more information about the exhibition, please visit the museum website: http://www.meaa.org.uk
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