DESIGNART TOKYO 2024 is Coming Soon! Exploring New Perspectives Through Collaborative Curatorial Vision
Anticipated to unfold across Tokyo this year, DESIGNART TOKYO 2024 is the most extensive edition yet. With 117 diverse presentations, it promises to animate the city's vibrant streets. As one of Japan's most prominent design and art festivals, it showcases an intriguing mix of design, art, interior design, and fashion. It significantly impacts the industry, firmly establishing Tokyo as one of the world's leading cultural hubs.
This year's theme, "Reframing - The Beginning of a Shift," is a call to action for creators and audiences to rethink the familiar and discover new meaning by exploring ideas from fresh perspectives. In today's digital world, where information is instantly accessible, creativity often risks becoming commodified, resulting in a sense of déjà vu.
Set to take place across Tokyo this year, DESIGNART TOKYO 2024 is the most extensive edition yet. It will feature 117 diverse presentations to bring the city's vibrant streets to life. As one of Japan's most prominent design and art festivals, it not only showcases an intriguing mix of design, art, interior design, and fashion but also significantly impacts the industry, firmly establishing Tokyo as one of the world's leading cultural hubs.
This year's theme, "Reframing - The Beginning of a Shift," encourages creators and audiences to rethink the familiar and discover new meaning by exploring ideas from fresh perspectives. In today's digital world, where information is instantly accessible, creativity often risks becoming commodified, resulting in a sense of déjà vu. DESIGNART TOKYO 2024 aims to stand out amidst this noise by showcasing a carefully selected range of works that break free from traditional frameworks. These creators are not just reacting to the world but reframing it, offering bold new interpretations of art and design that embody a transformative shift in value.
Prepare to be inspired as Tokyo hosts a dynamic exchange of ideas, celebrating and redefining creativity in ways that will leave you excited and invigorated.
Clockwise from top left: Jiabao Li (TransVision), José Zanine Caldas (Sofa com rede), Human Awesome Error (Super Cell /Delinquent Son), Hiromine Nakamura (Do Not Let This Arrow Miss）
Clockwise from top left: 「ART」Kodama Kanazawa, Contemporary Art Curator / Code-a- Machine Inc.「DESIGN」Masato Kawai, Interior Stylist / Space Designer, Director of BUNDLE STUDIO Inc .「CRAFT 」 Yudai Tachikawa, Director of Traditional Techniques「TECHNOLOGY」Ryuta Aoki, Artistic Director/ Social Sculptor
Questioning new values in the world
In a world increasingly shaped by rigid assumptions and inherited perspectives, the exhibition asks: Are we seeing reality through someone else's filter? Whether driven by the pursuit of beauty or the desire to embody personal beliefs through their work, each curator contributes to a collective questioning of the limits imposed by common sense. Rather than defining each discipline, Reframing blurs the lines, emphasizing the fluidity between them and highlighting the potential of creative thinking when unbound by traditional constraints.
"This exhibition serves as a platform for fresh ideas and groundbreaking visions, offering viewers a chance to discover new perspectives and glimpse the future. Step into a world where assumptions are upended, and possibilities are limitless. Reframing promises an experience that could shift your understanding of what is and could be."
https://designart.jp/designarttokyo2024/exhibitions/8509/?lang=en
Spatial design by the HYBE Design Team
Works presented at Milano Salone 2024
The space for the exhibition is designed by HYBE design team. Led by Jun Takeda. As an interior design enterprise, HYBE design team infuses intrinsic value into our designs, adopting a hybrid approach that transcends the traditional constraints of time. The projects are a collaborative endeavor, achieved through the collective efforts of a diverse group, including clients, construction professionals, artisans, artists, and more, all working unison.
The HYBE Design Team had in-depth discussions with the curators of the Reframing exhibition to understand their vision and approach to curation. The curators emphasized the importance of examining the future while reflecting on the present day. They aimed to create a simple space where visitors could pause, observe, and reflect. The minimalist design allows each individual a personal and meaningful experience, fostering an intimate connection between the artwork and the observer.
The exhibition focuses on sustainability and challenges traditional standards using recycled materials in their raw, unaltered state. This approach sparks a conversation about how simplicity and sustainability can work together to redefine the future of design.
As part of this creative dialogue, the HYBE Design Team will present their vision at the ISETAN Salone in Tokyo Midtown. The event will run from Wednesday, October 2nd to Tuesday, October 29th. This presentation will offer an in-depth exploration of their ideas, providing a must-see opportunity for those eager to engage with the cutting edge of design thinking.
https://designart.jp/designarttokyo2024/exhibitions/7854/?lang=en
Celebrating the Timeless Appeal of Wood: AXIS GALLERY’s Collective Exhibition
Participating creators: CONSENTABLE / Takusei Kajitani, iwakagu, MARUHON INC., ODS / Oniki Design Studio, SHINYA YAMAMOTO, TGDA+639, tossanaigh
AXIS GALLERY, founded in 1981, has been a cornerstone in the design world, providing a platform for innovative creations and forward-thinking perspectives. This year's exhibition continues that tradition by showcasing a curated selection of works that explore the rich potential of wood, a material deeply intertwined with furniture and interior design.
One of the standout pieces is the latest offering from architect and designer Koichiro Oniki's ODS/Oniki Design Studio. His "Forêt" console and low table are masterfully crafted using the traditional Japanese Kumiko technique. This results in a three-dimensional assembly that pushes the boundaries of craftsmanship and modern design.
Takusei Kajitani is in the spotlight with his project, CONSENTABLE, culminates ten years of exploration. His theme, "Deep dive into what I want," reflects a decade-long journey of bringing to life objects that go beyond the conventional and fill a void in the design landscape.
Shizuoka-based custom furniture workshop Iwakagu presents a fresh perspective on woodworking, focusing on the relationship between wood and home environments. Meanwhile, MARUHON introduces a luxurious space where solid oak wood flooring is complemented by the natural beauty of iron and stone, illustrating the harmonious interplay of materials.
Designer Shinya Yamamoto focuses on the theme of "unsophisticated but charming," creating functional and sculptural furniture. The pieces have simple yet endearing forms that blur the line between product and art.
The exhibition also includes TGDA+639 (Gaku Takasu of TGDA and Toshifumi Momose of Hikimono-sho 639), who explore calculated geometrical beauty through "deconstruction and reconstruction." They employ deviations, rotations, and reversals to transform traditional production methods.
Rounding out this exceptional lineup is the design unit Tossanaigh, which presents a sustainable dining table crafted from leftover wood sourced from forests. This reinforces the importance of sustainability in contemporary design.
Venue: AXIS Gallery AXIS Building 4F, 5-17-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
TIERS GALLERY - Emerging Talent at TIERS GALLERY: A Showcase of Next-Generation Interior Design
Participating creators: FARM AND BUILD, HOJO AKIRA (UNDER 30), Masaya Kawamoto, PULSE
isit the TIERS GALLERY on the third floor of Arakawa's Omotesando showroom for an exciting exhibition featuring new works from four promising young interior product designers. This showcase offers a fresh perspective on the future of design, where innovation meets craftsmanship, sustainability, and the exploration of new values.
HOJO AKIRA (Is that structure essential?), PULSE (GROPING PROCESS)
Makio Nomura and Takeru Sato from FARM AND BUILD will showcase the STRAIGHT ARM CHAIR and NAJIO LOW TABLE. These designs embody their philosophy of design as a "cultivation" process. Their approach reflects an organic exploration of form and function, aiming to nurture new ideas and uncover fresh possibilities in interior design.
HOJO AKIRA, recently selected as a member of the prestigious UNDER 30 group, shifts the focus to mass production with a twist. His sofa design challenges the traditional priorities of quality control and inventory management, instead fostering a new relationship between users and manufacturers. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, his design incorporates recyclable materials, reflecting a growing concern for the environmental impact of mass-produced goods.
Meanwhile, Masaya Kawamoto will introduce his striking PF Chair / PF Armchair, which pushes the boundaries of colour and texture. Using an experimental salt bath colouring technique, Kawamoto achieves a range of unique tones, transforming the chair into a functional object and an artistic exploration of material manipulation.
The design collective PULSE, consisting of Rikiya Toyoshima, Shomu Taki, and Daiki Mitsui, brings an interdisciplinary approach to the exhibition. Their piece, GROPING PROCESS, merges various materials and techniques, demonstrating the collective's commitment to pushing the limits of design through fusion and experimentation.
Venue: TIERS GALLERY: 5-7-12 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tokyo Midtown’s DESIGN TOUCH 2024: Weaving the Future of Design
The upcoming Tokyo Midtown's DESIGN TOUCH 2024 exhibition will feature the theme "Woven Design—Weaving the Future" and the innovative work of three visionary creators. One of the featured designers is Saki Takeshita, an emerging talent selected as part of the prestigious UNDER 30 group. She will present her groundbreaking project, "Eeyo."
Takeshita's Eeyo redefines wooden product design through an intricate and visually captivating process. She uses balsa, the world's lightest wood, and applies a specialized dyeing technique combined with nearly 200-degree hot air to transform its natural colour. During this process, greens shift to pink, while blues evolve into red in a seemingly magical reaction, all driven by the unique compatibility between the wood and the dyes. The final outcome varies depending on the duration of dyeing and the intensity of heat applied, resulting in a rich array of colours and patterns.
Eeyo stands out for its ability to preserve wood's natural texture and grain while producing striking graphic effects on uneven, curved, and three-dimensional surfaces. This innovation opens up new possibilities in wood design by blending traditional materials with modern technology to create a distinctive combination of natural beauty and artistic expression.
Woven Design—Weaving the Future" offers a forward-thinking exploration of materials and techniques. Takeshita's work is a prime example of how craftsmanship can meet innovation to shape the future of design.
Venue: Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Dates: Friday, October 11th - Monday, November 4th
Hibiya OKUROJI: A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation Under Tokyo’s Century-Old Brick Arches
Participating creators: CYUON × Naoto Ogawa, HONOKA, YUKAI KOGAKU, COLOR and WONDER, Ochi Baku (Smoke Artist)
Tucked away in the historic depths of Ginza, Hibiya OKUROJI, with its impressive century-old brick arches, becomes the stage for a captivating array of exhibitions. Set along a 300-meter walkway, this unique venue will showcase creative explorations across art, design, and technology, where traditional craftsmanship meets modern ingenuity.
AQUA CLARA, a leader in Japan's water server market, presents a compelling exhibit on bottle upcycling. In collaboration with HONOKA, a design lab renowned for highlighting the hidden beauty of materials and processes, this exhibit delves into the untapped potential of discarded bottles. Together, they create a sustainability vision through innovative reuse, transforming bottles into materials for new creations.
CYUON, a powder coating factory from Hiroshima Prefecture, teams up with designer Naoto Ogawa of Nomura Co. to present "Unknown," an artwork highlighting the interplay between metallic textures and transparent colour layers. This art piece blurs the line between industrial material and artistic expression, pushing the boundaries of how materials can be reimagined.
Embracing the theme "Make the world a better place through robotics," YUKAI KOGAKU, a developer of robots and consumer products, will present "PROTOTYPING☆YUKAI." This exhibition goes beyond showcasing their current product lineup by offering a behind-the-scenes look at the prototypes and development process from their annual event. It provides a rare glimpse into the innovative seeds from which future products grow.
COLOR and WONDER will also exhibit their latest designs, including the 2DEE wall storage system, alongside their popular 2TONE and VOX stool, which debuted last year. A highlight of their display is "Organic and Digital," featuring an unreleased table made from CLT (cross-laminated timber), marking their first foray into blending natural materials with modern design techniques.
The enigmatic Ochi Baku, an aesthetics researcher and smoke artist, will explore the relationship between nocturnal life and artistic expression in his piece "Nocturnal White." This atmospheric work investigates the beauty and mystery of life after dark, offering visitors a hauntingly beautiful sensory experience.
Under the brick arches of Hibiya OKUROJI, these exhibitions blend the past with the future, celebrating a marriage of craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation that pushes the boundaries of design and artistic expression.
Venue: Hibiya OKUROJI 1-7-1 Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
KEF Festival of Space: A Fusion of Sound, Light, and Design Excellence
The centrepiece of this year's KEF Festival of Space is a unique collaboration between British audio innovators KEF, renowned designer Michael Young, and acclaimed architectural studio Klein Dytham Architecture (KDa). Together, they have transformed the KEF Music Gallery in Aoyama, Tokyo, into an immersive showcase where sound, light, and design create a captivating sensory experience.
Founded in 1961 in the United Kingdom, KEF has long been praised for its innovative approach to high-fidelity sound. At this exhibition, their state-of-the-art LS60 Wireless Speakers will take center stage, delivering unparalleled audio quality that envelops visitors in a rich, multidimensional soundscape. These speakers, designed with precision and elegance, serve as the event's auditory backbone, amplifying the festival's immersive nature.
The visionary work of Michael Young complements the auditory experience. Initially designed in the 1990s, his multi-coloured stick light installation brings a vibrant visual energy to the gallery space. With their minimalist yet playful aesthetic, the lights create a dynamic interplay between colour and form, echoing the boundless possibilities of both design and the cosmos. Young's lighting installation interacts harmoniously with the audio environment, creating a seamless blend of sight and sound.
Michael Young
Michael Young is a prolific industrial designer known for his dynamic and innovative works. He has been working with KEF for many years developing a style that is at once elegant, minimalist, and unique. In collaboration with KEF's product design team, he has brought a rich imagination, sophisticated minimalism, and innovative approach through the Michael Young Collection.
Adding to the collaboration is the architectural finesse of Klein Dytham Architecture, the masterminds behind the design of the KEF Music Gallery itself. KDa's thoughtful spatial arrangement enhances the experience, guiding visitors through the gallery as they encounter moments where light and sound merge into a singular, immersive narrative.
This fusion of KEF's audio expertise, Michael Young's iconic lighting design, and Klein Dytham Architecture's spatial creativity culminate in an exhibition that pushes the boundaries of sensory engagement. It invites visitors to not only hear but feel the sound, to see the light and be enveloped by it, in a space where technology and art coalesce in perfect harmony.
Venue: KEF Music Gallery Tokyo 5-5-6 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Stellar Works Discover the future of workspace design
Stellar Works invites you to explore the future of workspace design at its Aoyama showroom. The exhibition offers a fresh perspective on how the brand's signature collection can transform workplace environments, seamlessly blending functionality and elegance. With a focus on "Cultured Sensibility" and "Timeless Craft," Stellar Works showcases furniture that transcends trends, embodying refined artistry and modern sensibility.
This immersive display demonstrates how their designs adapt to professional spaces, fostering creativity and collaboration while maintaining an air of sophistication. Visitors are encouraged to experience how the brand's ethos elevates everyday office environments into inspiring, beautifully crafted settings that create new values for contemporary workspaces.
Sony Group Creative Center: Create More Fun
At the Stellar Works showroom, the Sony Group Creative Center, the design division of Sony Group Corporation, is presenting an interactive exhibition called "Create More Fun." This exhibition showcases the role of CMF (Color, Material, Finish) in shaping physical and digital experiences. It explores how design elements and digital interactivity work together to shape the future of product development and experience design. Visitors will see how CMF influences objects' aesthetic and functional qualities, creating joy and enhancing user experience across different platforms.
Venue: Stellar Works Showroom Aoyama Bldg. 2F, 1-2-3 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
*We will explore the works with experimental ideas and new perspectives, please stay tuned.
Short film "Talk to Me" by Jimmy Ming Shum, selected and nominated for the best short film at the Hawai'i International Film Festival.
"Talk to Me" is a short film directed by Jimmy Ming Shum. The film delves deep into the themes of trauma and loneliness, offering a profound understanding of these emotions. This poignant drama, which premiered at the Hawai'i International Film Festival (HIFF), highlights the enduring psychological scars of nuclear disasters. It emphasizes the cathartic potential of even the smallest human interactions. Mutuko Haba and Tsuyoshi Kondo deliver compelling performances, bringing a quiet intensity to the roles of Fumi and Yoshitaka. Their conversations, woven with vivid monologues of loss and grief, open pathways for healing, demonstrating the film's belief in the restorative power of empathy.
Finding Humanity in Shared Trauma: Talk to Me, Selected and nominated for the best short film at the Hawai'i International Film Festival, Explores the Healing Power of Connection
"Talk to Me" is a short film directed by Jimmy Ming Shum. The film delves deep into the themes of trauma and loneliness, offering a profound understanding of these emotions. It also explores the intricate nature of human connection across generations in modern Japan. The narrative follows Yamamoto Fumi, an 82-year-old survivor of the Hiroshima bombing, and Sato Yoshitaka, a telemarketer and survivor of the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Their unexpected bond, formed through shared pain and resilience, leads to a transformative connection. Shum's storytelling, complemented by Pia Cook's writing, offers a powerful meditation on intergenerational healing through empathy and understanding.
This poignant drama, which premiered at the Hawai'i International Film Festival (HIFF), highlights the enduring psychological scars of nuclear disasters. It emphasizes the cathartic potential of even the smallest human interactions. Mutuko Haba and Tsuyoshi Kondo deliver compelling performances, bringing a quiet intensity to the roles of Fumi and Yoshitaka. Their conversations, woven with vivid monologues of loss and grief, open pathways for healing, demonstrating the film's belief in the restorative power of empathy.
In just 15 minutes, "Talk to Me" masterfully combines solid visual storytelling with emotionally charged dialogue. The film shows the transformative power of simple human contact amidst despair. The visual language, supported by Hans Bobanovits' cinematography, underscores the solitude of its characters and contrasts it with the warmth of their newfound connection. The use of close-ups and long shots, as well as the manipulation of light and shadow, effectively convey the emotional depth of the characters and the themes of trauma and loneliness.
This short film transcends its runtime, serving as a testament to Shum's passion for humanity and his skill in portraying life's most intimate and painful moments with sensitivity. "Talk to Me "is a profound exploration of how personal trauma can be a bridge for hope and connection, no matter how deeply buried or painful. The film's portrayal of these moments leaves the audience feeling deeply connected and engaged with the characters and their experiences, fostering a sense of connection and engagement.
To purchase tickets: https://hiff.org/events/talktome/#buynow
Director Biography
Jimmy Ming Shum
Jimmy Ming Shum is a multi-talented artist, born in Hong Kong, obtained his college education in filmmaking in America and he is based in Japan now. Jimmy has become a prominent figure in the Asian creative scene, and he is widely recognized for his unique ability to blend his cultural heritage with contemporary themes to create compelling stories. His exceptional talent makes him a standout film director, writer, producer and photographer.
As a movie director, his directorial debut in 2023 was met with critical acclaim, establishing him as a rising talent in the film industry. He is a visionary filmmaker who strives to push the boundaries of the art form.
Jimmy is also a renowned photographer known for his striking and visually stunning images. His work spans the fashion, commercial, and art world and has been featured in prestigious publications and Art exhibitions throughout Asia.
Jimmy's passion for his craft and dedication to storytelling have propelled him to the forefront of the Asian creative community. His unique voice and creative vision make him a true standout, and he continues to inspire and captivate audiences with his work
For more information, please visit: https://jimmymingshum.com
Finland’s New Museum of Architecture and Design Launches Search for Director
The Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design and AD Museum are pleased to announce the search for the inaugural Director of Finland's new national Museum of Architecture and Design, a landmark cultural institution set to open its doors on the Helsinki waterfront in 2030. Ideal candidates will be visionary and inspiring leaders with a proven track record in creative and curatorial leadership. They should possess strong communication and people skills and have the ability to guide and motivate the museum's team through a significant period of change.
The Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design and AD Museum are pleased to announce the search for the inaugural Director of Finland's new national Museum of Architecture and Design, a landmark cultural institution set to open its doors on the Helsinki waterfront in 2030.
Photographer: Anja Reponen | Illustration by Anja Reponen
“We have just concluded the first stage of the design competition for our new museum building, which will be one of the Nordic region’s most visited and dynamic cultural institutions. We’re hoping to find a commensurate level of ambition in our new Museum Director, a creative and inspiring curatorial leader who can steer and shape the organisation in line with our goals and be a visionary voice for design and architecture in society”, says Kaarina Gould, CEO of the Foundation for the Finnish Museum or Architecture and Design and Chair of AD Museum.
The establishment of this new museum is the culmination of years of planning and collaboration. In 2018, the State of Finland and the City of Helsinki published a study confirming the need for a museum that would reflect Finland’s architectural and design legacy on the global stage. Since then, major capital funding has been secured, and a new organisation has been formed through the merger of the Design Museum and the Museum of Finnish Architecture to create a new national museum of architecture and design.
The Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design and AD Museum are now seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Director for this ambitious new institution. The appointed individual will be responsible for guiding the museum through a period of dynamic transformation, setting both the strategic and creative direction and leading the team to deliver on its bold vision and mission. In their role as CEO of AD Museum Ltd, the Director will also oversee the current operations of the Design Museum and the Museum of Finnish Architecture. Museums merged this year are operating in two historic buildings in the centre of Helsinki.
Ideal candidates will be visionary and inspiring leaders with a proven track record in creative and curatorial leadership. They should possess strong communication and people skills and have the ability to guide and motivate the museum's team through a significant period of change.
The new director is expected to start fall 2025, at around the same time when the results of the design competition for the new museum building are announced.
For the transition period until the handover, Maija Tanninen-Mattila has been appointed as interim director, while the previous CEO of AD Museum, Jukka Savolainen, will take on a role as Director of Public Affairs at the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design.
“As Director of Design Museum Helsinki since 2012, and as the first director of the AD Museum, Jukka Savolainen has piloted the two museums together and contributed significantly to the establishment of the new museum. After a successful merger and with the launch of an international search for the museum’s inaugural director, the organization is in a natural turning point. I’m thrilled to welcome Maija Tanninen-Mattila in as interim director, bringing tens of years of experience in inspiring management of museum organizations to this stage of the museum's transformation journey.” Kaarina Gould continues.
In 2021, the Finnish Government and the City of Helsinki launched a joint initiative to build a new museum that would merge the existing Design Museum and Museum of Finnish Architecture. An international design competition for the museum's new building in Helsinki’s historic South Harbour was launched in April 2024, with construction set to begin in 2027 and completion aimed for 2030. A successful merger of the two institutions in January 2024 led to the formation of the new museum organization, known as the AD Museum. Currently the AD Museum Ltd runs the operations of the Design Museum and the Museum of Finnish Architecture in their historic buildings in central Helsinki.
Application Process
Saxton Bampfylde in London is acting as the employment agency advisor for this appointment. For more information about the role, including details on how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference EBPQA.
Alternatively, interested candidates can email Belinda Beck at Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications must be submitted by noon on September 30, 2024.
About AD Museum
A new museum of architecture and design is coming to Helsinki. A natural destination for architecture and design lovers, the museum will also be a place for learning, sharing, and coming together for all curious minds.
You can’t talk about Helsinki or Finland without mentioning design and architecture. Our goal is simple: to build the world’s leading museum of architecture and design in Finland. Nowhere else in the world are design and architecture so embedded in the culture and identity. The new museum will merge the Museum of Finnish Architecture and the Design Museum and their substantial collections into one, with the whole representing much more than the sum of its parts.
A new museum building near the historic harbour in central Helsinki will house state-of-the-art exhibitions and forward-looking programmes. With new technologies, the whole world can participate in the conversation. Both the City of Helsinki and the State of Finland have committed to backing the new museum with significant donations. Four private foundations have joined forces, with the total capital raised almost reaching the target of 150 million euros.
Design Competition for the New Museum of Architecture and Design
A design competition for the new museum building was launched in April 2024. The open call for first stage entries ran from 15 April to 29 August 2024 and asked for conceptual proposals for a new 10,050 sq m (GFA) museum building on a prominent and historic site on Helsinki’s South Harbour. All entries were submitted anonymously and will now be assessed by an international jury of leading architects, cultural experts and policymakers. Between 3 and 5 entries will be selected to progress to Stage 2, where concepts will be developed into viable proposals. The entrants selected for Stage 2 of the competition will be notified in December 2024, with Stage 2 opening in February and running until the end of May 2025. The final result of the competition will be announced in September 2025.
All entries for the competition’s first stage will be unveiled in an an online gallery and a live event at Helsinki Design Week on September 12, starting 4pm Helsinki time. Presentations at the event will include a keynote by Paola Antonelli (MoMA, New York), and panel discussions led by Maria Budtz Sørensen (DVDL Cultural Planners, New York) and Kieran Long (Amos Rex, Helsinki).
Learn more about the live event here: www.admuseo.fi/eng-articles/advisory-group-for-the-new-museum-of-architecture-design
Follow the event live here: secure.wooli.fi/i/ad-museo-helsinki-design-week
Visit the competition website: www.admuseo.fi/competition
Osaka Art & Design 2024: Unleashing Creativity Across the Cityscape, A Four-Week Art Extravaganza Across 50 Venues
Osaka Art & Design (OAD) is returning for its second year! From May 29 to June 25, 2024, you can expect an extraordinary four-week extravaganza that will transform the streets of Osaka into a sprawling canvas of art and design. This vibrant event will invite visitors to immerse themselves in a dynamic showcase across 50 venues throughout the city.
Osaka Art & Design (OAD) is returning for its second year! From May 29 to June 25, 2024, you can expect an extraordinary four-week extravaganza that will transform the streets of Osaka into a sprawling canvas of art and design. This vibrant event will invite visitors to immerse themselves in a dynamic showcase across 50 venues throughout the city.
The heart of OAD will be the bustling north-south avenue from Umeda to Namba, where a diverse array of passionate creators will captivate audiences with their unique artistic expressions. From galleries to boutiques, attendees can discover and appreciate a rich tapestry of artworks, furniture pieces, and fashion items. What's more, many of these remarkable creations will be available for purchase, offering a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts and collectors to own a piece of this vibrant event.
Building upon the resounding success of its inaugural year, which drew 50 exhibitors, 150 artists and designers, and over 80,000 visitors, OAD 2024 aims to elevate the festival to new heights with expanded support and participation from hosting organizations.
This year's event, "Expanding Resonance," is a call for participants to forge meaningful connections and embrace diversity. By candidly expressing themselves and breaking free from conventions, they can unleash fresh energy and creativity in Osaka's vibrant urban landscape. The event aims to create an atmosphere of dynamic collaboration and exploration, where unexpected synergies can flourish, and new opportunities can arise.
As Osaka gears up for Expo 2025, the city is alive with a unique vibrancy, drawing creators from across Japan, particularly the Kansai region, to converge at OAD. This annual spectacle not only celebrates Osaka's rich cultural identity but also serves as a global showcase of the city's creative prowess. Through collaborative efforts with department stores, galleries, and businesses spanning Kita to Minami, OAD is positioning Osaka as a beacon of creativity and innovation on the world stage, and we invite you to be part of this exciting journey.
![Products Born from the International Furniture Design Competition [IFDA]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5260d046e4b0c0ba62540470/1715321138946-O5VGV1EG95VAP9PIIEMA/11_%E3%82%AB%E3%83%B3%E3%83%87%E3%82%A3%E3%83%8F%E3%82%A6%E3%82%B9.jpg)
The Osaka Art & Design 2024, a highly anticipated event, will redefine the city's artistic landscape with its captivating programs. The Hankyu Department Store Osaka Umeda Main Store, one of the hosts, will present the Hankyu Art Fair 2024. This platform is not just an exhibition but a marketplace for remarkable artworks. It will feature creations by renowned artists like Kohei Nawa, Daisuke Ohba, and Mika Shinagawa, each with their unique style and perspective, alongside emerging talents. The fair's goal is to not only showcase these artworks but also to make art a part of everyday life, a norm rather than an exception.
The Hankyu Department Store Osaka Umeda Main Store is among the hosts presenting the Hankyu Art Fair 2024. This platform will exhibit and sell remarkable artworks created by renowned artists such as Kohei Nawa, Daisuke Ohba, and Mika Shinagawa alongside emerging talents. The goal of the fair is not only to showcase these artworks but also to normalize the integration of art into everyday life.
As an official program of OAD 2024, HIZO Market stands as a testament to innovation, showcasing prototypes and treasured works that have undergone rigorous experimentation and refinement. This market seeks to cultivate a new creation market, showcasing the ingenuity and dedication of creators in their quest for artistic excellence.
The multitude of individual events under OAD 2024's banner is set to unveil new horizons in art and design, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore the diverse and dynamic creative landscape of Osaka. With a mission to showcase Osaka's exceptional creativity to the world and breathe new life into the art and design scene of the Kansai region, OAD 2024 is not just an event but a platform for fostering meaningful connections and interactions between individuals, artworks, and ideas. Your participation is crucial in making this mission a success.
The OAD 2024 Executive Committee supports these encounters and interactions, nurturing resonance and connections that inspire further growth and development in Osaka's proud creative legacy. We eagerly anticipate your participation in this celebration of creativity and innovation at Osaka Art & Design 2024.
About Osaka Art & Design 2024
Period: May 29 (Wednesday) to June 25 (Tuesday), 2024, for 4 weeks
Concept: Resonance—Expanding the Echo
Areas: Umeda, Dojima, Nakanoshima, Tenma, Kyomachibori, Minami-Senba, Shinsaibashi, Namba, and other locations within Osaka City
Venues: Open spaces, galleries, shops, department stores, commercial facilities
Organizer: Osaka Art & Design 2024 Executive Committee
Osaka Terminal Building Co., Ltd.,Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores Co., Ltd., Osaka Store of Takashimaya Co., Ltd.,Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores Inc.,
Nankai Electric Railway Co. Ltd., andHankyu Corporation
(Business agent: Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp.) Umeda 1-chome Area Management
Exhibitors: Creators (artists, designers), brands, galleries, shops, and other facilities/corporations from Japan and abroad (about 50 places)
Producer: General Producer Akio Aoki (DESIGNART)
UP IN SMOKE BY JOHN BOOTH & CAN
As part of NOW Gallery's ongoing festivities marking its 10th anniversary, NOW Gallery is proudly announce our highly anticipated Design Commission of 2024 - "Up in Smoke." This commission, a testament to our commitment to showcasing visionary talents, is brought to life by the dynamic designer-architect duo John Booth and Mat Barnes from CAN. Their unique perspective and innovative approach continue to redefine the boundaries of design, fashion, art, and photography.
Celebrating a Decade of Design Excellence: NOW Gallery Unveils 2024 Design Commission "Up in Smoke"
As part of NOW Gallery's ongoing festivities marking its 10th anniversary, we proudly announce our highly anticipated Design Commission of 2024 - "Up in Smoke." This commission, a testament to our commitment to showcasing visionary talents, is brought to life by the dynamic designer-architect duo John Booth and Mat Barnes from CAN. Their unique perspective and innovative approach continue to redefine the boundaries of design, fashion, art, and photography.From June 21 to September 22, 2024, the gallery space will be transformed into a vibrant, interactive installation-"Up In Smoke". This artwork, a living testament to the area's rich history, captures the essence of Greenwich Peninsula. It weaves together memories of its lively past and evolution into the vibrant cultural epicentre it is today. We invite you to explore this unique transformation, which is free to the public and open for all to enjoy."Up in Smoke" seamlessly merges Booth's playful, colourful design aesthetic with CAN's fresh, irreverent architectural approach. The project delves into the area's industrial and residential heritage, focusing on chimneys as a symbol of its narrative continuity. Chimneys remain emblematic despite their functional obsolescence due to technological advancements, linking us to our personal and collective histories.The five reimagined chimneys in this exhibition represent the diverse facets of the area's history, from the 1700s Powder magazine to the modern gasworks structures. Hand-painted by Booth, these chimneys vividly portray Greenwich Peninsula's past while evoking personal memories associated with chimneys.Visitors can explore, climb, and peer into these reimagined chimneys, fostering a deeper connection to the area's past while sparking imagination about future architectural possibilities. This immersive exhibition structure invites visitors of all ages to engage with history enjoyably and educationally.
John Booth and Mat Barnes say, “This project for NOW gallery at Greenwich Peninsula gives us an opportunity to fully realise the potential of a collaboration we’ve been working on for a number of years. The chimney holds such a romanticised position in how we collectively view and inhabit the city. We want to amplify these feelings and stir up personal memories and collective joy in the visitors that experience the installation. Chimneys like you’ve never seen them before and likely never see again.”Curator Jemima Burrill says, “For our 10 year anniversary summer exhibition, Booth and Barnes are making giant chimneys to inhabit NOW Gallery at Greenwich Peninsula. Powerful symbols of the past, updated to become follies for a summer celebration of London’s proud architectural heritage. Chimneys are part of our city psyche and they define our skyline. John Booth’s colourful vision captures a summer essence and creates a joyful installation. Working with Barnes’ CAN architectural practice, 5 chimneys will celebrate the past and look to the future, instilling both history and a perfect interactive summer NOW Gallery experience.”
John BoothJohn Booth is a Scottish-born fashion illustrator, ceramicist and textile designer based in London. Known for his textured, graphic works, John’s signature style is playful and colourful, and features a host of embroidery, bold line work and multi-layered collages spanning the fields of high fashion and interiors. He trained at Central Saint Martins and is now the college’s Associate Lecturer in Fashion. He teaches courses at other institutions such as BA Fashion at Westminster University, and has collaborated with designers such as Fendi, Ashish and Paul Smith.CAN is an Architecture and Ideas studio founded by Mat Barnes. Since its formation in 2016, CAN has built a reputation for creating striking and idiosyncratic projects, underwritten by cultural and historical research. CAN designs projects that subvert and amplify their social and cultural contexts, using unexpected materials and forms. CAN was included in the Observer's Top 5 architecture of 2020 and was recognised with the RIBA Rising Star Award in 2021.Exhibition dates: June 21 -September 22, 2024Private view - 20 June - 6pm - 10pmNOW Gallery at Greenwich Peninsula www.nowgallery.co.ukFree EntryABOUT NOW GALLERY
Conceived as part of the on-going regeneration of Greenwich Peninsula, NOW Gallery sits within a pavilion designed by architects Marks Barfield, moments from The O2 and North Greenwich station. One of the original buildings created by Knight Dragon, it is a public exhibition space for contemporary art, fashion, photography and design, with an ever-revolving programme of free to attend work from established and emerging artists, designers and other creative practitioners. Providing a place for investigation, NOW Gallery is a space for creatives to develop ideas and unprecedented artwork. It plays an important role of connecting to the locality via introducing interactive pieces of work that invite the public in to engage, contemplate and return, forming a relationship with the surrounding area and helping to shape the Greenwich Peninsula community.
ABOUT GREENWICH PENINSULA
Greenwich Peninsula is fast becoming the capital’s most boldly modern landscape. With 17,487 new homes, 12,000 new jobs and 48 acres of open public space emerging over the coming years. Here a community of thousands of pioneers live in new riverside homes, work in a cutting-edge Design District and enjoy the Tide, the neighbourhood’s elevated, riverside walkway and public art trail that celebrates art, design and wellbeing - all wrapped by the river Thames. This is new London: a destination for modern urban living.
Mat Barnes (director of CAN)
"Structural Design" within Realm of Architecture exhibition by WHAT MUSEUM
The WHAT MUSEUM, hosted by Warehouse TERRADA, presents "Sense of Structure: From Horyuji Temple to the Universe," from April 26 to August 25, 2024.
This one-of-a-kind exhibition illuminates the world of Structural Design, a pioneering framework of architecture. It takes you on a journey from the world's oldest surviving wooden building, the five-storied Pagoda at Horyuji Temple, to the future with lunar base camps. With over 100 structural models from renowned architectural masterpieces, this exhibition is a celebration of the innovative field of "structural design," the backbone of building frameworks.
The WHAT MUSEUM, hosted by Warehouse TERRADA, presents "Sense of Structure: From Horyuji Temple to the Universe," from April 26 to August 25, 2024.
This one-of-a-kind exhibition illuminates the world of Structural Design, a pioneering framework of architecture. It takes you on a journey from the world's oldest surviving wooden building, the five-storied Pagoda at Horyuji Temple, to the future with lunar base camps. With over 100 structural models from renowned architectural masterpieces, this exhibition is a celebration of the innovative field of "structural design," the backbone of building frameworks.
While Japan boasts numerous globally acclaimed architects, the pivotal role of structural engineers often goes unnoticed. These engineers, crucial in realizing architects' visions by meticulously engaging with materials and the dynamics of forces such as gravity and wind, are instrumental in shaping structures that resonate with their era and society.
Don't be intimidated by the world of specialized structural design. This exhibition is designed to make it accessible and engaging. You'll have the opportunity to interact with and understand architectural "frameworks" through interactive models, providing a hands-on introduction to their principles.
As sustainability becomes a global concern, the latter part of our exhibition shines a spotlight on wooden architecture, a building material that's gaining prominence for its eco-friendliness. From Japan's traditional techniques to cutting-edge innovations, this segment explores the historical significance of wooden structures while contemplating the future of wooden architecture.
Immerse yourself in the expansive reach of structural design through interdisciplinary collaborations in fashion, space exploration, and beyond. With a substantial refresh of exhibits and over 100 structural models on display, our exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of architectural marvels that will leave you inspired.
Highlights of the exhibition include:
A diverse collection of over 100 valuable structural models, offering a panoramic view of Japan's architectural history spanning more than 1,400 years.
Interactive models, including a 1/10 scale replica of the five-storied Pagoda at Horyuji Temple (approximately 3.6m tall), providing a tactile understanding of structural scale and mechanics.
Prepare to be astounded by the unveiling of a groundbreaking full-scale model of a "lunar Base Camp." This awe-inspiring creation, designed for human habitation on the Moon, is the result of a monumental collaboration with JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) and renowned structural engineer Jun Sato and his team.
A comprehensive showcase of over 50 structural engineers, showcasing emerging talents alongside established names from Japan.
Innovative collaborations between fashion and structural design, featuring HOMME PLISSE ISSEY MIYAKE.
Message rom the Curator:
We humans have lived in a world subject to seismic force, wind force, and other natural forces. How have we designed the flow of forces in architecture on this planet? In the world of structural design, structural engineers have been working diligently with such flow of forces and materials in a gravitational space called the Earth and have merged technologies and art in the changing times and society. This exhibition showcases Japan’s structural engineers and structural design, which are pivotal in the creation of architecture, from traditional Japanese wooden structures and contemporary wooden architecture to space structures, articulated through four themes to highlight the expansive reach of structural design. Vistors can engage with structural models and feel the architecture firsthand, gaining insight into the forces that sculpt our environment and connecting these experiences with their own sensibilities. They can also experience the creative possibilities of structural design and its philosophy behind structural design as a form of creative expression. We eagerly invite a diverse audience to experience the world of structural design through their senses.
About the Exhibition:
SENSE OF STRUCTURE: From Horyuji Temple To The Universe
Date: April 26 - August 25, 2024.
Venue: 1st and 2nd floors at WHAT MUSEUM (Warehouse TERRADA G BUILDING, 2-6-10 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0002.
Open Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Admission until 5:00 PM)
Closed on : Monday (but open when Monday is a public holiday, then closed the following Tuesday)
Admission: Adults 1,500 yen/ University or vocational college students 800 yen/ Students under high school age (Free)
Advance reservation by online ticketing is available: https://ticket-what.warehouseofart.org
I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture at M+ Museum Hong Kong
M+ will present the first major retrospective of I. M. Pei (1917–2019), one of the greatest architects of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Pei’s high-profile projects were realised over seven decades with an exceptionally wide geographic reach, including Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, the modernisation of the Grand Louvre in Paris, the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, D.C., and Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. These iconic landmarks solidified Pei’s prominent position in architectural history and popular culture
Giovanna Silva. A bride’s photoshoot captured from Passage Richelieu at the Grand Louvre in Paris, 2021 Photo commissioned by M+
M+ will present the first major retrospective of I. M. Pei (1917–2019), one of the greatest architects of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Pei’s high-profile projects were realised over seven decades with an exceptionally wide geographic reach, including Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, the modernisation of the Grand Louvre in Paris, the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, D.C., and Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. These iconic landmarks solidified Pei’s prominent position in architectural history and popular culture. His life and work weave together a tapestry of power dynamics, geopolitical complexities, cultural traditions, and the character of cities around the world. I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture properly appraises for the first time the work of this pivotal Chinese American architect, whose transcultural vision laid a foundation for the contemporary world.
Architect Ieoh Ming Pei, selected to design the JFK Memorial Library. © John Loengard / The LIFE Picture Collection / Shutterstock
The exhibition takes an expanded and closer look at Pei’s practice through six themes representing areas of focus and approaches throughout his career: ‘Transcultural Foundations’, ‘Real Estate and Urban Redevelopment’, ‘Art and Civic Form’, ‘Material and Structural Innovation’, ‘Power, Politics, and Patronage’, and ‘Regenerating Cultural and Historical Archetypes’. They reveal how Pei navigated regional and local contexts, defined architecture as a facilitator for cultural production and formation of civic space, Page 9 of 16 and investigated new interpretations of tradition. The themes place Pei’s practice in close dialogue with social, cultural, and biographical trajectories that show architecture and life to be inseparable. Realised through over five years of preparation, the exhibition features a rich selection of drawings, sketches, videos, models, photographs, and other archival documentation, many of which will be on view for the first time.
To lend a contemporary lens to Pei’s work, the exhibition presents newly commissioned photographs of Pei’s iconic and lesser-known buildings by a new generation of photographers: South Ho, Naho Kubota, Lee Kuo-min, Giovanna Silva, Mohamed Somji, Tian Fangfang, and Yoneda Tomoko. Architectural models of Pei’s built and unbuilt projects are also made in collaboration with architecture schools at The University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Mohamed Somji: View of the faceted central structure of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, 2022
Photo commissioned by M+
Exhibition details
I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture is curated by Shirley Surya, Curator, Design and Architecture, M+ and Aric Chen, General and Artistic Director of Het Nieuwe Instituut, Netherlands, assisted by Naomi Altman, Curatorial Assistant, M+ and Iris Ng, Curatorial Assistant, M+.
Opening in: June 2024
Location: West Gallery, M+
For more information, please visit: https://www.mplus.org.hk/en/exhibitions/i-m-pei-life-is-architecture/
Kang Myonghi: The Colors of Time
In a momentous stride, VILLEPIN inaugural exhibition in Seoul, "Kang Myonghi: The Colors of Time," has emerged as a resounding success, laying the foundation for a captivating chapter in our artistic journey through Korea.
In a momentous stride, VILLEPIN inaugural exhibition in Seoul, "Kang Myonghi: The Colors of Time," has emerged as a resounding success, laying the foundation for a captivating chapter in our artistic journey through Korea.
Behind the Scenes with Curators
In an exclusive video feature, co-curators Arthur de Villepin and Dominique de Villepin invite art enthusiasts on a journey into the heart of Myonghi's artistic odyssey. Unveiling the layers of Myonghi's rare artistic commitment amidst an era of unprecedented change, the video explores her travels from the Gobi Desert to the glaciers of Patagonia, where she seeks the primordial origins of our times.
A Global Trailblazer
Kang Myonghi, a trailblazing painter, has left an indelible mark as the first Korean female artist exhibited in top-tier museums and international institutions. From Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris to the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Seoul, her artistic footprint spans the globe. Alongside her husband Setaik Yim, she founded the iconic Musée de Séoul in 1981, South Korea's pioneering Museum of Art.
Vibrant Compositions
Myonghi's latest compositions weave a vibrant tapestry, echoing her cultural heritage with vivid colors and intricate brushwork. Each stroke resonates with the essence of Korean and Asian landscapes, traditions, and spirituality.
International Presence
Myonghi's artistic journey has graced esteemed institutions, including the Beijing National Art Museum, Ningbo Museum of Art, Shanghai Museum of Art, and Beijing Art Museum of Imperial City in China. Her recent solo exhibition in Qingdao, coinciding with Antony Gormley’s showcase at the TAG museum in 2023, stands as a testament to her enduring influence.
A Legacy of Firsts
A pioneer in breaking barriers, Myonghi showcased her solo exhibition at Centre Georges Pompidou in 1986 and contributed to the World Expo in Daejeon, South Korea, in 1993. Her visionary spirit continues to shape the artistic landscape.
For more information, please visit: https://www.villepinart.com
Kieran Long appointed new Museum Director of Amos Rex
Amos Rex, which burst onto the scene with a bang in 2018, has established itself as an unconventional art museum and a landmark in Helsinki. In its first year of operation, Amos Rex welcomed over half a million museum visitors. In addition to the inaugural exhibition by teamLab, Amos Rex has showcased exhibitions by Studio Drift, Bill Viola, and Hans Op de Beeck among others, as well as two group exhibitions by Generation, featuring artists aged 15 to 23.
Amos Rex, which burst onto the scene with a bang in 2018, has established itself as an unconventional art museum and a landmark in Helsinki. In its first year of operation, Amos Rex welcomed over half a million museum visitors. In addition to the inaugural exhibition by teamLab, Amos Rex has showcased exhibitions by Studio Drift, Bill Viola, and Hans Op de Beeck among others, as well as two group exhibitions by Generation, featuring artists aged 15 to 23.
Photographer: Photo: Cata Portin
As the retirement of Museum Director Kai Kartio approached, the board of Amos Rex conducted an international search for his successor. The Chairman of the board is Stefan Björkman, CEO of Konstsamfundet, which owns Amos Rex. Elisabeth Millqvist has newly been appointed as Vice-Chair of Amos Rex’s board. Other board members are Cilla Lönnqvist, Leif Jakobsson and Laura Aalto.
Stefan Björkman explains the focus of the search:
"We wanted to bring something new to the Helsinki art scene, and that's why we decided to look for candidates also from outside of Finland. Kieran Long was the one who best fit our criteria. We aim to continue the success of Amos Rex beyond its incredible first five years. Kieran possesses solid expertise in the field of art, and he has exciting ideas about how we can better use the unique location of Amos Rex and the entire Lasipalatsi (Glass Palace) Quarter in the heart of Helsinki."
Kieran Long, the newly appointed Museum Director of Amos Rex, is the first international museum director in Finland. British-born Long is moving from Sweden, where he held the role of Director at ArkDes, the Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design. Previously, Long has led the Design, Architecture, and Digital Department at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and led the curatorial team for the 2012 Venice Architecture Biennale. He has also had a long career as a teacher, broadcaster, writer, and commentator.
Gunvor Kronman, Chair of the Board of Konstsamfundet, who was involved in the recruitment process, describes:
"Kieran Long is a fresh choice in the Finnish art scene. We have been bold and stepped beyond national boundaries and even beyond Nordic borders; Long holds both a British and a Swedish citizenship. He has grown up in a different cultural tradition, and I believe it can significantly enhance the Helsinki art scene through collegial cooperation."
Vice-chair of Amos Rex's board, Elisabeth Millqvist, Director of Moderna Museet Malmö, comments on the appointment:
"Amos Rex has always dared to experiment and go beyond expectations – this is evident in both the museum's architecture and its exhibition program. The appointment emphasizes the same focus; nowadays, artists work by pushing boundaries, and Kieran Long's outlook will be an advantage."
Kieran Long himself recognizes the substantial potential that is inherent in Amos Rex, emphasizing its importance as follows:
"Amos Rex is one of the most successful and exciting new contemporary art institutions in Europe, and it is a great honour to be chosen to continue the outstanding work Kai and the team have done since 2018. It is exciting to have this opportunity to activate a public space in the heart of Helsinki at a time when the city is growing and changing. Throughout my career, I have focused on museums as public spaces, and Amos Rex, in the centre of Helsinki, has such potential to be one of Helsinki’s most important. I want people to experience Amos Rex as an extraordinary, collective experience of art, even if they might not even buy a museum ticket."
"Tokyo International Film Festival 2023 & Prime Video Unveil 'Talk To Me' Finalist by Jimmy Ming Shum"
"Talk To Me" explores the profound theme of loneliness and its impact on the human experience, especially in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Due to his experience living in this vibrant city, Jimmy Ming Shum was inspired to portray the feeling of isolation that can be felt in a densely populated city.
The 36th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) and Amazon Prime Video are thrilled to announce the finalists for the highly anticipated Amazon Prime Video Take One Award. Among the remarkable entries in the "Short Film" category, Jimmy Ming Shum's "Talk To Me" has been selected as a finalist. The award will be presented to the winner at the TIFF Awards Ceremony on October 28th, 2023. Jury members will select the winner based on the film's quality and its creative vision.
Teaser “Talk To Me” by Jimmy Ming Shum
"Talk To Me" explores the profound theme of loneliness and its impact on the human experience, especially in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Due to his experience living in this vibrant city, Jimmy Ming Shum was inspired to portray the feeling of isolation that can be felt in a densely populated city.
As Fumi navigates through empty shops, desolate streets, and disconnected phone calls while yearning for genuine human connections, she grapples with the pervasive sense of loneliness. Through Fumi's character, audiences are invited to explore themes of aging, loss, and the fundamental human desire for companionship.
Short longlines summaries the narrative: "Fumi lives alone in a big city, longing for connection. The film was shot during the challenging times of the pandemic lockdown, adding a layer of depth and relevance to the story. When a sad stranger calls, their worlds are shifted.”
Behind the scenes : Jimmy Ming Shum's compelling short film "Talk To Me" portrays a narrative of profound solitude against Tokyo's dynamism. In a bustling cityscape, Fumi navigating empty streets and hollow phone calls, reflects a poignant longing for genuine connection amidst the isolating experience. Filmed during the pandemic lockdown, the film resonates with a unique depth, intensifying its relevance. Director Jimmy delves expertly into the intricacies of the human psyche, leaving a lasting emotional impression. His use of light and shadow, soundscape and visuals, creates a compelling drama that is both timeless and timely. The powerful message of the film resonates with audiences, reminding us of the fragility of human connection and the importance of meaningful communication.
About Jimmy Ming Shum:
Jimmy Ming Shum
A multi-talented artist hailing from Hong Kong and now living in Tokyo, Jimmy Ming Shum is a director, writer, and producer with an American college degree in photography and filmmaking. In the Asian creative scene, Jimmy's ability to integrate cultural heritage and contemporary themes distinguishes him from other artists.
Film director Jimmy brings a fresh perspective to his work, showcasing his storytelling skills and delivering cinematic excellence. In 2023, his directorial debut garnered critical acclaim, firmly establishing him as a rising talent. Dedicated to pushing the limits of the art form, Jimmy is a visionary filmmaker.
In addition to his prowess as a film director, Jimmy is renowned for his striking and visually stunning photography. This spans the fashion, commercial, and art realms. His work has graced prestigious publications and exhibitions throughout Asia and been commissioned by international brands, reflecting his artistic vision.
Jimmy's passion for his craft and dedication to storytelling have propelled him to the forefront of the Asian creative community. His unique voice and creative vision make him a true standout, inspiring and captivating audiences worldwide with his work.
For more information on "Talk To Me" in Amazon Prime Video Take One Award finalists, visit the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival website.
Alberto Venzago: Stylist of Reality
For over five decades, Alberto Venzago has been using his Leica camera to capture the world through a diverse range of subjects and photographic genres. From documentary reportages to staged scenes, his body of work reflects a deep exploration of human experiences. The retrospective exhibition at the Ernst Leitz Museum in Wetzlar, Germany, featuring around 150 photographs, offers a captivating glimpse into Venzago's rich and varied portfolio. Running until May 14th, 2023, this exhibition showcases the depth and breadth of his artistic vision.
Retrospective of the Swiss photographer at the Ernst Leitz Museum in Wetzlar, Germany
For over five decades, Alberto Venzago has been using his Leica camera to capture the world through a diverse range of subjects and photographic genres. From documentary reportages to staged scenes, his body of work reflects a deep exploration of human experiences. The retrospective exhibition at the Ernst Leitz Museum in Wetzlar, Germany, featuring around 150 photographs, offers a captivating glimpse into Venzago's rich and varied portfolio. Running until May 14th, 2023, this exhibition showcases the depth and breadth of his artistic vision.
Venzago's globetrotting lifestyle took him to various corners of the world, including Australia, Japan, and New York, before returning to his home country of Switzerland. Throughout his journeys, he documented powerful stories and significant events, ranging from the Iranian Revolution to deforestation in the rainforest, from child prostitution in Manila to voodoo ceremonies in Benin. His fearless approach often brought him into perilous situations, as he strived to capture the essence of his subjects up close. People have always been at the heart of his award-winning reportages, which have been widely published.
Beyond his photojournalistic endeavors, Venzago's expertise extends to professional studio photography, where he has created iconic and visually stunning advertising campaigns. His portfolio includes striking portraits of international celebrities such as Tina Turner, Penelope Cruz, Sting, and Mick Jagger, showcasing the diversity of his creative output. The interplay between documentary and staged photography has been a defining characteristic of his career.
The exhibition in Wetzlar provides a comprehensive overview of Venzago's work, highlighting key milestones such as his series on the Yakuza, the voodoo cult, and a collection of captivating celebrity portraits. The showcase also includes a selection of his films, underscoring his talent as a film director.
Reflecting on his acclaimed Yakuza series, Venzago recalls being the only photographer granted such intimate access to the criminal organization. His trustworthiness and dedication earned him acceptance, allowing him to delve deep into their world. The project became a long-term exploration rather than a mere journalistic scoop. Venzago's commitment to depth and authenticity was evident to the Yakuza from the start, resulting in unprecedented access.
Renowned filmmaker Wim Wenders lauds Venzago's Voodoo project, describing it as a unique and unparalleled visual experience. Distilled from twelve years of remarkable encounters, over 100 hours of video footage, and thousands of negatives, Venzago's work transcends traditional boundaries, offering an extraordinary perspective on the subject matter.
Alberto Venzago's exhibition invites viewers to immerse themselves in the power of his images, to witness the extraordinary and the intimate, and to appreciate the lifelong dedication he has invested in capturing the essence of the human experience.
Albert Venzago biography: Alberto Venzago is a Swiss photographer, photojournalist, and filmmaker born on 10 February 1950. He decided to teach himself photography in his mid-20s after studying remedial education and clarinet. He quickly gained success, spending four years working for the Magnum Photos Agency with his work published in the likes of Life, Stern, and Geo and moving effortlessly between photojournalistic documentation, independent artistic creation, and advertising. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the renowned ICP Infinity Award. Venzago lives and works in Zurich.
More at www.venzago.com
About Leica Store Hong Kong Causeway Bay
“Leica Store Hong Kong Causeway Bay” is Hong Kong’s first flagship store on Pak Sha Road in Causeway Bay, a destination bringing together premium cameras, coffee, lifestyle products and artworks in the city. Designed by renowned design studio LAAB Architects, through the integration of Hong Kong’s cultural characteristics and photographic elements, the flagship provides a new and extraordinary photographic art experience for Leica customers and photographers. The art gallery regularly exhibits works of famous international and local photographers, allowing people to enjoy shopping and a variety of fun activities.
About Leica Camera – A Partner for Photography
Leica Camera AG is an international, premium manufacturer of cameras and sports optics. The legendary reputation of the Leica brand is based on a long tradition of excellent quality, German craftsmanship and German industrial design, combined with innovative technologies. An integral part of the brand's culture is the diversity of activities the company undertakes for the advancement of photography. In addition to the Leica Galleries and Leica Akademies spread around the world, there are the Leica Hall of Fame Award and, in particular, the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA), which is considered one of the most innovative sponsorship awards existing today. Furthermore, Leica Camera AG, with its headquarters in Wetzlar, Hessen, and a second production site in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, has a worldwide network of its own national organizations and Leica Retail Stores.
Official Facebook page of Leica Camera Hong Kong: Leica Camera
Official Instagram page of Leica Camera Hong Kong: leicacamerahk
MARIE DE VILLEPIN: MURMURATION
Murmuration, the debut solo exhibition of Marie de Villepin in Hong Kong, opening on November 17th, 2022.Through her art we are entering in the enchanted world of fierce gestures and roaring sound created by ballet birds in the sky. Marie captures the grace and energy of such moments through colors, shapes and rhythm.
Marie de Villepin, Year of the Tiger, 2022, 215 x 298 cm. Photo courtesy of Villepin.
Villepin is pleased to present Murmuration, the debut exhibition of Marie de Villepin in Hong Kong, marking her first major solo exhibition in Asia. The title Murmuration originally describes the enchanting gesture and roaring sound created by ballet birds in the sky in certain seasons. In a similar movement to these birds, Marie captures the energy of various worlds where her multifaceted practice has long experimented with intrinsic expressions through colours, shapes, and rhythm.
For Marie, the canvas is not so much a conventional painting material as an all-receptive medium, a tabula rasa, on which she lays down her diverse ideas and personal experiences, expressed more often by the harmony of colours than by any preordained meaning of figures. After spending much of her life abroad, moving from one culture to another, Marie began sketching, not only to capture the colour or emotion of a moment, but also to ward off the dizziness of frantic change in the passing of life and time.
Her paintings are expansive configurations of spatial experimentations that articulate abstraction as an ever-shifting field. She draws upon ideas from different states and times to explore the spatial relation of each form and the space in between. Shifting and unraveling layers of paint, each figure and shape appear and recede in a multiplicity of directions, drawing viewers among unknown territories and experiences.
In her works, music plays a key role generating a certain rhythm of swaths of brushstrokes that diverge and converge. Where does it begin? Where does it lead us to? Marie’s works explore the importance of mobility and memory, and the relentless changes in forms, where identities, communities, and technologies in this postmodern world can at once be aggressive, oppressive, and repulsive. Through her works, she questions the key issues of our time and introduces new paths through her imagination with its own words and music, in which motifs are repeated, rhythms impart textures, and sounds alternate with voids, stringing together chords and sublimating emotions.
Today, there is a general tendency to follow a certain opinion or a predesigned algorithm, to swarm in the same direction of a multitude. In a constantly overstimulated world of configurations of layers, the urge to find order, meaning and perhaps beauty, within chaotic conditions becomes more palpable. Marie’s works reintroduce us to a new path of discovery through a deep amalgamation of formal aesthetics that encompass her travels and experiences, one that is deeply allegorical and personal.
In the spirit of "Murmuration," the exhibition will adopt an evolutive nature, beginning with Marie’s works and gradually evolving to take its own shape. In addition to paintings and drawings, personal stories and inspirations from art, music, film, and photography that influenced her creative practice, will also transform the exhibition, transporting viewers onto a temporal visual as well as auditory voyage.
Exhibition Opening: 17 November 2022 - March 2023
Space: 53-55 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
(By Appointment only)
About the Artist
Marie de Villepin in her studio, 2022, photo by Louis Stimes. Courtesy of Villepin.
Born in 1986 in Washington, D.C., Marie de Villepin grew up in the United States and in India. Art was a constant feature in her upbringing as she began developing her musical and drawing skills throughout her frequent travels, filling dozens of notebooks, which allowed her to fix moments and emotions as a chronicle of her life. Growing up in a diplomatic household, Marie had the chance to surround herself with a prominent circle of poets, musicians, filmmakers, and painters including Zao Wou-Ki, a family friend. She was inspired by influential post-war American artists, including Willem de Kooning, Cy Twombly, Joan Mitchell, and Philip Guston. In particular, she admired the musicality, freedom, and capacity for transcendence in their works.
In 2005, Marie moved to New York, and then to Los Angeles, where she developed various musical projects, before devoting herself entirely to painting. In search to deepen links between colours, sounds and rhythm, she took a decisive step to transcribe her inner world onto canvas: painting what she sees and where she lived in a way perhaps to ward off exile, loneliness and doubts through an accumulation of brushstrokes. Gradually, her whole world started taking shape, complete with imaginary landscapes, creatures, and machines of all sorts. Her works trace through space and time, oscillating between figuration and abstraction.
Marie has participated in a number of group exhibitions in New York, Los Angeles, Beijing, and Hong Kong. In 2019 she presented her first solo exhibition titled New Creatures, which marked her return to Paris. In March of 2022 after the pandemic, she presented The Lost Weekend a combination of works made in the United States and in France. In June, Marie was selected as one of the twelve artists to receive Le Prix Antoine Marin. The prize is presented by the gallery Julio Gonzalez in Paris, where each young artist is nominated by a renowned artist: Marie was nominated by Anselm Kiefer. She is currently working on a major institutional exhibition scheduled for 2023 at a museum in China.
M+ first Special Exhibition, Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now
M+, Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture in the West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong, is pleased to announce the museum’s first Special Exhibition: Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now, to be opened on M+’s first anniversary, 12 November 2022 (Saturday) through 14 May 2023 (Sunday), with HSBC as Lead Sponsor. M+ also announces the ticketing arrangements for General Admission and Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now, both of which take effect on 12 November 2022 (Saturday), and unveils its programme of exhibitions for the second year of opening.
M+, Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture in the West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong, is pleased to announce the museum’s first Special Exhibition: Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now, to be opened on M+’s first anniversary, 12 November 2022 (Saturday) through 14 May 2023 (Sunday), with HSBC as Lead Sponsor. M+ also announces the ticketing arrangements for General Admission and Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now, both of which take effect on 12 November 2022 (Saturday), and unveils its programme of exhibitions for the second year of opening.
M+ celebrates its first anniversary with a Special Exhibition by visionary artist Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now is the largest retrospective of renowned artist Yayoi Kusama in Asia outside Japan, featuring more than 200 works from major collections from museums and private collections in Asia, Europe, and the United States, the M+ Collection, as well as from the artist’s own collection. Co-curated by Doryun Chong, Deputy Director, Curatorial and Chief Curator, M+, and Mika Yoshitake, independent curator, the exhibition introduces a new interpretative approach to Kusama’s over seven-decade career and invites viewers to discover the transformative power of art. The retrospective highlights the core aesthetic elements of Kusama’s work and foregrounds her recurring philosophical questions about life and death and her longing for interconnectedness. The exhibition explores how Kusama has become a global cultural icon who creates vital and influential work to this day.
Suhanya Raffel, Museum Director, M+, says, ‘M+ has achieved unprecedented success in its first year of opening on 12 November 2021. Notwithstanding the temporary closure of the museum from January to April this year due to the pandemic, it has already welcomed over 1.53 million visitors. This strong show of public support is a testament to the museum’s role in transforming and enriching the cultural ecology in Hong Kong and Asia and making contemporary visual culture more accessible to all. We are proud to present Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now to our audiences, as the internationally acclaimed artist’s cross-disciplinary and global art practice resonates with the essence of what M+ offers. We look forward to another splendid year ahead with a terrific line-up of exhibitions and programmes.’
Organised chronologically and thematically, and spanning from Kusama’s earliest work to her most recent output, Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now features a wide range of paintings, installations, sculptures, drawings, collages, moving images, and archival materials. The exhibition examines Kusama's practice as it developed in Japan, the United States, Europe, and beyond through six themes: Infinity, Accumulation, Radical Connectivity, Biocosmic, Death, and Force of Life.
The exhibition presents three brand-new works to audiences for the first time. Death of Nerves (2022) is a large-scale installation commissioned by M+. Installed in the Lightwell that connects the museum’s ground floor and the basement levels and draping down to the Found Space on the B2 level, the work can be viewed from multiple vantages throughout the M+ building. Dots Obsession—Aspiring to Heaven's Love (2022), presented in The Studio on the B2 level, is an ambitious immersive environment that includes one of the artist’s signature mirrored spaces. Two large sculptures titled Pumpkin (2022) will be available for public viewing in the Main Hall on the ground floor.
“Yayoi Kusama is one of the most influential and inspiring artists of our time. Her Asian roots, transnational history, as well as her singular artistic language and philosophy that she has developed from the 1940s to now, have all contributed to making her the leading cultural figure she is now globally. This is the first time in Greater China the full trajectory of Kusama’s art is presented in a comprehensive retrospective exhibition providing a holistic and unique perspective on the accomplishments of this visionary artist.”
To accompany the exhibition, Thames & Hudson will publish Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now in collaboration with M+. Edited by Doryun Chong and Mika Yoshitake, this comprehensive and richly illustrated 400-page publication features contributions by the editors as well as Isabella Tam, Associate Curator, Visual Art, M+, and Alex A. Jones, independent researcher and writer. The publication is a collection of curatorial essays, thematic texts, a visual chronology of Kusama’s life, a roundtable discussion with leading authorities in the field, and a selection of poetry, manifestoes, past interviews, and previously unpublished artist writings. Both English and Chinese editions are available for pre-order at the M+ Shop online starting from 15 September 2022. In addition, a series of public programmes will be available throughout the exhibition period. Visitors are invited to dive deeper into Kusama’s art practice with curators’ talks, screenings, and family-friendly activities with details to be announced later. For further details about Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now, please refer to the fact sheet at Appendix 1.
Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now is supported by HSBC, Lead Sponsor, together with HKT as Major Sponsor, Louis Vuitton and The Macallan as Supporting Sponsors and Cathay Pacific as Airline Partner of the exhibition.
“M+’s exhibition sheds new light on Yayoi Kusama’s art philosophy and life. Kusama has transformed her personal experiences—the challenges she has faced in her career, as well as her lifelong battle with mental health—into a creative force through the regenerative power of healing amidst our global pandemic era. We are delighted to introduce audiences to this artist’s profound vision through new thematic trajectories as well a newly commissioned work.”
M+ announces ticket arrangements after first anniversary
Admission fees to M+ exhibitions are waived for the first year since its opening on 12 November 2021. All visitors can enjoy free admission to M+ exhibitions until 11 November 2022 (Friday). Thanks to the overwhelming support of the local community, as of 14 September 2022 (Wednesday), more than 1.53 million visitors have visited M+ for free. Starting from its first anniversary on 12 November 2022, visitors are required to purchase tickets in advance to access all M+ exhibitions, except for Hong Kong: Here and Beyond, one of the museum’s opening exhibitions presented in the Main Hall Gallery on the ground floor, which will maintain free access for the public during its exhibition period until June 2023.
General Admission tickets are priced at HK$120 for adults and HK$60 for visitors eligible for concessionary fare, which entitle them to visit all M+ exhibitions except Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now on B2 level and in West Gallery on the second floor; whereas Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now tickets, which allow visitors access to all galleries, are priced at HK$240 for adults and HK$150 for concession. Admission to Pumpkin (2022) and Hong Kong: Here and Beyond on the ground floor and the B1 level of the museum respectively will be free of charge.
Tickets for both General Admission and Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now for the period from 12 November 2022 (Saturday) to 31 January 2023 (Tuesday) will be available for online purchase starting from 10am on 13 October 2022 (Thursday). M+ Members and Patrons can enjoy priority booking for tickets to Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now during the Priority Booking period from 29 September 2022 (Thursday) to 12 October 2022 (Wednesday). For further details about M+ tickets, please refer to M+ and West Kowloon Cultural District websites and the fact sheet at Appendix 2. Further details will be announced in the first half of October 2022.
Visitors are encouraged to seize the last chance to book their free visit to M+ until 11 November 2022 (Friday) via the designated online booking platform.