Vessel Gallery is proud to present a brand new collection by Louis Thompson. Inspired by the practice of bonsai, Enchanted Mori echoes this ancient horticultural practice and its artistic intention to create a higher level of aesthetic refinement.

Deriving from the ancient Chinese art form of 'penjing' and later reinterpreted by the Japanese, finally resulting in the most recognised modern bonsai of today, the aesthetic goals characterised within the Japanese tradition, is to grow artistically shaped miniature trees in containers following many Japanese cultural distinctions, in particular, the influence of Zen Buddhism and the expression of Wabi-sabi.

Thompson's ambition with each artwork, using these Japanese principles as his starting point, is for the viewer to emotionally connect with what they see, to not just use their eyes to understand what is in front of them but to engage with the feelings and thoughts that are aroused and provoked.

Taking the passing of time framed within the context of twenty-four hours, each artwork symbolises the transient periods that make up each day.

In the artist's own words;

"With the transition of light, day falls into night and we pass into the abyss of a new dawn. The sun, moon and stars form shadows, colouring our perception and create an interplay between the negative and positive forms of nature, where harmony and balance coexist. This new body of work Enchanted Mori, is for moments of contemplation, reflection and contentment."

Also on show will be the artist's singular 'Enchanted' artworks, the original inspiration behind these larger installations.