Page 53 - BCI Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Q1 2025

BCI Honors Artistic
Excellence at Italian
Bonsai and Suiseki Events
Nicola Sorressa, BCI award-
winner, award presenter
Luciana Quierolo, and Aldo
Marchese pose next to Nicola’s
winning stone display the
27th AIAS Congress in Martina
Franca.
of bonsai and suiseki as cultural art forms, as demonstrated by its sponsorship of
Bonsai Clubs International (BCI) continues to champion the global recognition
two exceptional events in Italy this fall. The 14th Bonsai and Suiseki Exhibition,
held in Catanzaro during the last weekend of September, showcased 51 displays
and drew an impressive 6,402 visitors. This event also marked a milestone with a European-
record 503 signatures gathered in support of UNESCO’s recognition of bonsai and suiseki
as intangible cultural heritage.
In October, the 27th AIAS Congress in Martina Franca brought together enthusiasts
from across Italy and beyond, further cementing Southern Italy’s growing role in the art of
suiseki. Hosted by the Bonsai Association of Locorotondo, this event featured distinguished
guest and judge Martin Pauli, along with a rich history of dedication to bonsai and nature.
BCI was proud to present Excellence Awards at both events, celebrating the outstanding
artistry and dedication of the bonsai and suiseki communities. These gatherings highlight
not only the vibrancy of these traditions but also their potential to inspire cultural dialogue
and appreciation worldwide.
The 14th Bonsai and Suiseki Exhibition, Catanzaro,
and The 27th AIAS Congress, Martina Franca, Italy By Aldo Marchese, Italy
I also want to highlight the sponsorship of the
Japanese Embassy in Italy and two Italian ministries:
the Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry Policies and
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Regarding the signature
collection for the UNESCO project mentioned above,
we achieved a European record with 503 signatures
gathered.
These few lines aim to give visibility to an exhibition
that is evolving from a national to an increasingly
international event, reaching a unique level of artistic
refinement in the works on display. With this, I present
the BCI awards judged by Sebastiano Villante. I hope
you enjoy the tanakazari presentations.
The 14th Bonsai and Suiseki Exhibition held in
Catanzaro, Italy, during the last weekend of
September 2024, was a great success, attracting
6,402 visitors. The exhibition featured 51 displays (26
bonsai and 25 suiseki) from all over Italy. In addition
to the sponsorship of Bonsai Club International, for
which I take this opportunity to thank President Chen
and the entire Technical Staff for their support, this year
we had the novelty of hosting a signature collection
campaign to support the recognition of bonsai and
suiseki as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. This
initiative originated in Japan, led by Tom Nishiyama,
with European representation by Sami Amdouni, who
was present throughout the three days of the exhibition
Just weeks later, Southern Italy hosted a major event
for bonsai and suiseki enthusiasts: the 27th AIAS
Congress in Martina Franca, from October 25 to 27,
2024. Set in one of the most picturesque locations
in Puglia, this congress built on the momentum of
Catanzaro’s success. Martina Franca featured stunning
exhibitions and demonstrations.
Both events reflect the growing prominence of
Southern Italy as a hub for bonsai and suiseki, offering
visitors and participants an unparalleled experience of
artistic mastery, cultural exchange, and community
celebration. I had the pleasure of attending both,
witnessing firsthand the dedication and passion that
elevate these gatherings to an international level.
January/February/March 2025 | BCI | 51