Inspired by classical Japanese theatre, Noh 能, as well as Hanakatoba 花言葉, (the Japanese language of flowers), the Hagoromo (Full Flower Moon) series explores the artist’s Japanese—Australian cultural identity, delving into uncomfortable spaces of grief, separation, longing, and loss. This work is a photographic series of six images that retell the famous Noh play, Hagoromo 羽衣 (The Feather Mantle). The artist is surrounded by chrysanthemums, traditionally associated with death, and her kimono is worn right over left, a style reserved only for the dead—a deep taboo in Japanese culture.

Hagoromo (Full Flower Moon) was created as a ritual to mark the anniversary of a friend’s husband’s death, with long-term photographer, Greg Piper.

How to get there:
Public Transport: Route 30 Bus, 30min from Ballarat. Bus stop Lakeside Drive/Midland Hwy, plus 5min walk.
Driving: From Ballarat: 15min drive, via Midland Hwy/A300 towards Creswick
From Melbourne: 1hr 30min drive, via National Hwy M8 towards Creswick, Parking onsite

Image: Hiromi Tango, Hinotori火の鳥 (Fire Bird), 2023, pigment print on cotton rag art paper.