Haiku of Jonas Mekas: the japanese version of frozen flames Cover Image

Jono Meko haiku: japoniškieji sustingusių kadrų variantai
Haiku of Jonas Mekas: the japanese version of frozen flames

Author(s): Renata Šukaitytė
Subject(s): Cultural history
Published by: Lietuvos kultūros tyrimų
Keywords: “frozen frames”; haiku; Zen philosophy; film diary

Summary/Abstract: In this paper a concise analysis of a specific kind of art so called “frozen frames” created by a great experimental film maker Jonas Mekas is made. The impact of Zen aesthetics and the adaptation of haiku principles in the “frozen frames” are evident. Firstly, it is notable in the contemplation of nature which is based in the aesthetic pantheism of Zen philosophy. Secondly, in the works of Jonas Mekas the same as in haiku strophe the universal value, metaphors, symbols, and notes on the everyday life of the human are hidden. Small and un-significant fragments of the entity and their contemplation as well as rethinking are more important than the big events of the human history, both for Lithuanian filmmaker and the haiku masters. Thoughts and feelings are documented spontaneously and proximate, what makes the work of art sincere and close for the viewer or the reader. The last important aspect, common to “frozen frames” as well as to haiku poetry is emptiness and the veiling of the content. This makes the analyzed works of art not only open for interpretation but also for recreation and completion.

  • Issue Year: 2005
  • Issue No: 12
  • Page Range: 478-485
  • Page Count: 8
  • Language: Lithuanian