Call for project proposals for OPEN SITE 9 by Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS)
TOKAS (Tokya Arts and Space) has supported artists throughout their careers through open call exhibitions, exhibitions of contemporary artists, and international fellowships. Now TOKAS is accepting project proposals for OPEN SITE 9, which will take place at TOKAS Hongo from November 2024 to February 2025.
We are looking for projects that explore new forms of expression or art/culture that reflect society's current state.
Tokyo Arts and Space is an arts center dedicated to the creation and promotion of contemporary artistic expression from Tokyo and supports a wide spectrum of artistic activities including crossover and experimental projects. Established in 2001 as Tokyo Wonder Site (TWS), an initiative for the support and nurturing of young artists, it was renamed Tokyo Arts and Space in 2017.
Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS) is now calling for project proposals for OPEN SITE 9, which will be held at TOKAS Hongo from November, 2024 to February, 2025 and looking for creative projects which explore new expression/art/culture reflecting the contemporaneous sociality.
[Application Deadline]
2024/3/30 (Sat) *JST
[Application Overview] Proposal must fulfill all conditions below.
(1) Projects that can be realized using a space such as: Exhibitions, Installations, Research presentations, Performing arts, Films and Audio-visual works, Lectures, Symposiums or Workshops and any other projects which are related to above or combined projects.
(2) Projects which explore new expression/art/culture reflecting the contemporaneous sociality.
(3) Projects which are well structured and have unique originalities.
[Format of presentation]
A. Exhibition (Exhibition period: about a month / Admission: Free of charge)
B. Performance (Execution period: 6 days/ Ticket price must be set)
C. dot (Execution period: 6 days / Admission: Free of charge)
[Support by TOKAS]
Please refer the application outline for the details.
(1) Providing a space at TOKAS Hongo for projects for free of charge.
(2) Providing a subsidy for productions of works and projects as follows.
A. Exhibition: 400,000 JPY
B. Performance: 200,000 JPY
C. dot: 100,000 JPY
(3) Installation support for the Exhibition projects/ Stage operation support of 200,000 JPY for the Performance projects.
(4) Transportation cost will be provided: Max 200,000 JPY for the Exhibition and Performance projects, max 20,000 JPY for the dot projects.
(5) The ticket revenue of each project will be given as artist fee. *Performance projects only.
(6) Publication of exhibition catalog *Exhibition projects only.
(7) TOKAS Residency as accommodation for those who live in places far from Tokyo. *Exhibition and Performance projects.
(8) Assisting a part of PR and management of the project.
[Venue]
Tokyo Arts and Space Hongo
2-4-16 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
[Execution Period]
Part 1: 2024/11/23 (Sat) – 2024/12/22 (Sun)
Part 2: 2025/1/11 (Sat) – 2025/2/9 (Sun)
*Closed on Mondays (except national holiday)
[Jury Members]
KISHIMOTO Kako (Director, BUoY)
KOBAYASHI Haruo (Director, blanClass)
HATANAKA Minoru (Chief curator, NTT InterCommunication Center [ICC])
KONDO Yuki (Program Director, Tokyo Arts and Space)
[Application Fee]
Free
For more information, please visit:
https://willap.jp/t?r=AAAJGAhUayNQBi.gLrAOLSgtKcqKxJTUiCdCpQ
With Designart Tokyo, Tokyo is becoming the world's most multicultural city through innovation and fusion of cultures.
This year, Designart Tokyo (also known as DESIGNART TOKYO) returns for its seventh year, promising a dazzling showcase of design, art, interior, and fashion presentations in Tokyo and throughout the world. This year's theme is "Sparks: Liberating Thoughts," which invites visitors to embrace revolutionary creations born of personal discoveries and liberated thinking amid profound societal changes.
This year, Designart Tokyo (also known as DESIGNART TOKYO) returns for its seventh year, promising a dazzling showcase of design, art, interior, and fashion presentations in Tokyo and throughout the world. This year's theme is "Sparks: Liberating Thoughts," which invites visitors to embrace revolutionary creations born of personal discoveries and liberated thinking amid profound societal changes.
HONOKA, the design lab that won the SaloneSatellite Award 2023 1st Prize, for their project "TATAMI ReFAB PROJECT," is now set to exhibit their work in a triumphant return at DESIGNART TOKYO 2023
A prestigious 1st Prize was awarded to HONOKA at the SaloneSatellite Award 2023. "TATAMI ReFAB PROJECT" stood out among the competition, showcasing innovation and creativity at its best.
To celebrate this remarkable achievement, HONOKA will present the "TATAMI ReFAB PROJECT" in a triumphant exhibition. The showcase will showcase their innovative work, highlighting their commitment to sustainable design and re-imagining the traditional TATAMI.
We congratulate HONOKA on receiving this well-deserved recognition, and we encourage you not to miss their outstanding exhibition at SaloneSatellite 2023. Their dedication to pushing the boundaries of design promises to be a true testament to their talent.
© 2023 honoka lab
From left to right: MORITAKA TOCHIGI , RYO SUZUKI , SHOICHI YOKOYAMA, SHINNOSUKE HARADA, KAZUKI FUJIWARA, JAMES KAORU BURY
A design lab founded by passionate product designers, this group is dedicated to exploring and utilizing cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing, to create products that evoke the subtle allure of natural materials. They prioritize factors like texture, aroma, and color to ensure a delightful user experience while embracing the inherent charm of the materials. This approach aligns perfectly with contemporary design philosophies that value sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Introducing 9 contemporary craft artists from Denmark's Bornholm Island for the first time in Japan
The artistic fusion of Japan and the Nordic region through the masterpieces of nine contemporary craft artists from Bornholm Island, Denmark's territorial island in the Baltic Sea. The exhibition is scheduled to run from October 26th to October 28th at HOTEL K5 in Nihonbashi Kozumachi.
UNESCO-affiliated organization "World Craft Council" awarded Bornholm Island the prestigious "WORLD CRAFT REGION BORNHOLM" title in 2017, recognizing its excellence in arts and crafts.
Jakob Jørgensen Studio
From left to right: Rick Gerner, Charlotte Thorup, Johanne Jahncke, Michael Geertsen, Jakob Jørgensen, Per Suntum, Line Depping, Kaori Juzu, Iben Birch Bech
The event provides a unique glimpse into the lives of local artists on the island, providing an immersive experience that infuses a harmonious blend of Japanese and Nordic sensibilities. Witness the remarkable talent and creativity of these contemporary craft artists and discover the inspiring connections between cultures.
Venue：HOTEL K5 (K5 Suite)
3-5 Nihonbashi Kabuto-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0026
Italy's Exquisite Yacht Brand, SANLORENZO, presents the world of "Design & Art"
©sanlorenzo
A vision of "Design & Art" will be showcased by SANLORENZO Japan, the company that distributes Italy's exquisite yacht brand SANLORENZO in Japan, at the DESIGNART TOKYO 2023 Official Venue, DESIGNART GALLERY. One of the world's leading brands, "Paola Lenti," will be featured in the exhibition along with furniture designed by Sanlorenzo Yacht's in-house designer Patricia Urquiola for MOROSO. In this exhibition, you will be able to experience the artistic worldview of Sanlorenzo Yacht. Visitors can also enjoy the SANLORENZO LOUNGE at the venue.
Event Venue：DESIGNART GALLERY (〒107-0061 Tokyo, Minato City, Kita-Aoyama, 2 Chome−7−15)
SANLORENZO'S MA5 GALLERY presents "PATTERN STROKE- 模様の筆跡
In Japan, SANLORENZO JAPAN launched MA5 GALLERY in an effort to distinguish itself from other yacht brands by emphasizing "Design" and "Art." As an ever-evolving platform, MA5 GALLERY showcases art, design, and interiors.DESIGNART TOKYO 2023 features an exhibition inspired by the artistic technique called "PATTERN STROKE," in which artist Noda Yasuto assembles patterns into artworks. A collection of works depicting landscapes observed by the artist on his travels will also be displayed. The gallery strives to be a hub for innovative art and design during the event.
NOBUTO FUKUTSU / 福津 宣人https://www.nobutofukutsu.com/
Nobuto Fukutsu, Born in Miyagi Prefecture in 1969, this artist first pursued a career in video production. Later, they transitioned into painting and developed their own unique painting style utilizing a variety of patterns with the theme that "everything is like a pattern."
Venue: M5 GALLERY
〒100-0006 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Yurakucho, 1 Chome−12−1, Shin-Yurakucho Building, 1F
Discover Muuto's latest designs and creations through five captivating scenes.
A special pop-up event will be held at DESIGNART TOKYO 2023 Official Exhibition to celebrate Muuto opening its first-ever store in Japan in spring 2024 in Tokyo's Aoyama district. "THE DESIGNART GALLERY." Featuring furniture, lighting, rugs, accessories, and the latest creations, such as the Wrap Lounge Chair, which debuted at this year's Milan Salone Internazionale del Mobile.
It will feature five distinct scenes, including Living, Dining, and Home Office setups, providing an immersive experience to appreciate the unique world of "Muuto," a leading force in the New Nordic design movement. At this special event, you can explore the full line of Muuto products and enjoy the captivating atmosphere.
Muuto: https://www.interoffice.co.jp/products/muuto/
Event Venue：DESIGNART GALLERY (〒107-0061 Tokyo, Minato City, Kita-Aoyama, 2 Chome−7−15)
A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE「TYPE-V Nature Architects project」
"THINKING DESIGN, MAKING DESIGN: TYPE-V Nature Architects project" was on display at ISSEY MIYAKE / MILAN's flagship store during Milan Design Week. The exhibition has now been reimagined and will be presented at two Tokyo stores, A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE / AOYAMA and ISSEY MIYAKE GINZA / 442, exhibiting prototypes that go beyond clothing. A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE's collaborative project "TYPE-V Nature Architects project" explores how design integrates into material and manufacturing processes.
By combining Nature Architect's latest design solutions with A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE's unique manufacturing system, this project explores the possibilities offered by a single piece of fabric. Visitors are invited to explore the integration of design concepts into tangible products in this exhibition that explores the potential that lies beyond traditional clothing.
A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE
https://www.isseymiyake.com/pages/apocable#section0
Event Venue：A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE / AOYAMA
〒107-0062 Tokyo, Minato City, Minamiaoyama, 5 Chome−3−10 FROM-1st
ISSEY MIYAKE GINZA / 442
4 Chome-4-2 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 141-0061
For more information, please visit: https://designart.jp/designarttokyo2023/
Tiffany & Co. Announces Tiffany Atrium: A Social Impact Platform to Inspire Connection and Social Change
Tiffany & Co. has launched Tiffany Atrium, a social impact platform that offers opportunities to historically underrepresented communities. Through commitment, leadership, and learning, Atrium aims to create a more diverse and inclusive jewelry industry, which is reflected in its three core pillars: creativity, education, and community.
Tiffany & Co. has launched Tiffany Atrium, a social impact platform that offers opportunities to historically underrepresented communities. Through commitment, leadership, and learning, Atrium aims to create a more diverse and inclusive jewelry industry, which is reflected in its three core pillars: creativity, education, and community. ATRIUM is a nod to both the heart and the center room of a house as well as the Return to Tiffany® heart tag necklace.
“I Shine, You Shine, We Shine” by Derrick Adams
““We are thrilled to introduce the Tiffany Atrium platform, creating a centralized hub for our continued journey in the worlds of diversity, equity and inclusion,” we have a responsibility to enact positive change in our world. Tiffany Atrium will allow us to streamline and scale the necessary processes in doing so.””
The Tiffany Atrium logo was derived from an original artwork designed by American visual artist Derrick Adams for the launch of Tiffany Atrium. Online art marketplace Artsy will auction the artwork July 27 - August 10, with 100% of proceeds benefiting The Last Resort Artist Retreat, an artist residency founded by Adams in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, to provide healing and restoration for Black artists and cultural workers.
Tiffany & Co. will launch new programming under the education pillar in the fall to support the long-term development of students and institutions. The following programs are scheduled for the near future:
•Tiffany & Co. Apprenticeship Programs: Eight apprentices will be identified through LVMH’s Métiers d’Excellence Institute (ME Institute) & New York State Craft Apprentice Program for a two-year rotational program at the House’s core facilities. Recruitment will focus on diverse, historically underrepresented communities to create opportunity and build an inclusive pipeline of talent.
•Tiffany & Co. and HBCUs: Educational and professional opportunities will be created for students in the creative arts and communications fields at select Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including:
$2M pledge for the About Love Scholarship Program in partnership with the Shawn Carter Foundation and BeyGOOD.
Partnership with Harlem’s Fashion Row in support of the HFR ICON 360 HBCU Summit at North Carolina A&T University, which strives to transform art and fashion programs at HBCUs across North America.
In addition, as a part of Atrium's community pillar, Tiffany & Co. will focus on connecting employees, students and nonprofit leaders to grow and celebrate shared values and commitment to improving the world we live in. Tiffany Atrium will continue to partner with non-profit organizations, including Free Arts, Ali Forney Center and Lower East Side Girls Club, throughout the year.
Tiffany Atrium will continue building upon significant partnerships and investments with global creatives and institutions that will advance opportunities for underrepresented communities. In recognition of its responsibility to the future, Tiffany is committed to building a more equitable and inclusive industry.
To stay up to date on Tiffany Atrium, visit www.Tiffany.com/sustainability.
Award Winning Artist Lucas Zanotto Launches First Solo Exhibition, MOODS, in Shanghai
Italian designer, director, and artist Lucas Zanotto brings delightful kinetic characters to life in his first solo exhibition, MOODS, opening December 28th at the historical former St. Mary’s Hall in Shanghai. Hosted by M:87, the multimedia exhibition taps into a new space in the art world, combining life sized physical sculptures with a medley of digital techniques including an augmented reality (AR) installation in collaboration with Acute Art.
Italian designer, director, and artist Lucas Zanotto brings delightful kinetic characters to life in his first solo exhibition, MOODS, opening December 28th at the historical former St. Mary’s Hall in Shanghai. Hosted by M:87, the multimedia exhibition taps into a new space in the art world, combining life sized physical sculptures with a medley of digital techniques including an augmented reality (AR) installation in collaboration with Acute Art.
A winner of international art and design accolades including the Cannes Golden Lion and the Apple Design Award, Lucas has directed numerous animations and films. He has collaborated with artists including KAWS, Josh Sperling and Felipe Pantone, and worked with brands including Google, Amazon, to name a few. Having ventured in the NFT world a few years ago, Zanotto now brings his iconic digital work into the physical art realm with his very first exhibition.
Flipping Mood, CGI Animation, 2021, source: Lucas Zanotto
“It’s an honor to be debuting my first solo exhibition in Shanghai with M:87. Following Covid-19 mandated restrictions that have left artists and art lovers across the world stuck at home, I’m beyond grateful that my immersive exhibition can be experienced in person and in real time. From CGI animation and blackbox projections to AR installations and life-size sculptures, there is a medium for everyone to enjoy in MOODS.”
Playground, CGI Animation, 2021, source: Lucas Zanotto
Behind the artist’s comforting and relaxed artworks lie profound insights into the digital age. An expert in digital art, Zanotto masterfully melds a simple design language with a playful color collection and captivating kinetic motion to deliver works of indescribable spiritual delight. He is best known for his big-eyed kinetic sculpture characters and animated loops, which have taken social media by storm. In the past year, Zanotto has made waves in the NFT world, using the crypto market to spread joy through his lovable geometric characters.
In MOODS, Zanotto constructs a multidimensional event using modeling, materials, and renderings. The contemporary exhibition will be held at the historical St. Mary’s Hall in Shanghai, a former Christian girls school dating back to 1881.
Historical St. Mary’s Hall in Shanghai, a former Christian girls school dating back to 1881.
The exhibition space is divided into seven zones encompassing CGI animation, sculpture, installation, projection, public art, AR artwork, art merchandise, and more. From life-size fiberglass sculptures displayed in the church halls to charming AR characters that can be viewed from different vantage points, audiences can fully engage their senses and immerse themselves in the multimedia experience that is MOODS.
Visitors will be welcomed by six meter tall character balloons on the lawn outside of the church, while Zanotto’s signature “eyes” will greet visitors from the church’s windows and curtain door. Inside the church halls, showcased within nine stunning arches will be the artist’s signature kinetic videos played on loop. At the end of the hall will be a specially curated black box, an immersive room which guests can enter to be surrounded and mesmerized by Zanotto’s iconic animation projections. Integral to Zanotto’s works, music is combined with each animation in order to bring audiences visual and auditory comfort. Installations like “Watery Eyes” will allow visitors to interact with and appreciate the art in another medium.
Take Home MOODS Merchandise
Created specially for this exhibition are 50 sets of limited edition MOODS sculptures featuring five of Lucas Zanotto’s iconic animation characters, “Ehhh,” “Ohhh,” “Mhhh,” “Uhhh,” and “Ahhh”. 20 limited edition wooden versions of the sculptures will also be available for purchase on a first come first serve basis. Take home and call this adorable collection your own along with a special NFT certificate backed by EchoX. Specially designed and available for sale at the exhibition also include MOODS merchandise such as tote bags, clocks, mood tower prints, and magnets.
The limited edition mini MOODS sculpture sets and the full range of merchandise will also be available worldwide via www.m87inno.com and on the M:87 WeChat page, M87art.
M:87 Presents Lucas Zanotto’s MOODS
Date: 28th December - 23rd January 2021
VIP and media preview day: 27th December
Time: Tuesday-Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday-Sunday 10 am-7pm
Location: Raffles City, Changning, Shanghai
For more information on M:87 and MOODS, including exhibition details, address and opening hours, please visit http://www.m87inno.com.
Neri&Hu created Foreverhouse at Home Sweet Home Exhibition at KORA
Drawing inspiration from the image of a bicycle, Neri&Hu has created Foreverhouse for the exhibition. As with many of Neri&Hu's works, Foreverhouse hints at maintaining tradition as a form of resistance to cultural erasure.
Home Sweet Home, curated by Paolo Mele, Alessandra Pioselli, Davide Quadrio, and Claudio Zecchi, recently opened at the KORA Contemporary Center, Palazzo de Gualtieris in Lecce, Italy, showcasing more than 40 artists and designers from around the world. The exhibition explores the theme of “home,” a place to live in and a witness of everyday life, where relationships are born and unfold over time.
The ideas of home and being “at home” are psychological constructs shaped by subjective perceptions of shelter, privacy and security. Our dwelling bears the marks of our daily rituals of inhabitation, and over time they serve as vessels for the accumulation of the artifacts of everyday life.
Drawing inspiration from the image of a bicycle, Neri&Hu has created Foreverhouse for the exhibition. As with many of Neri&Hu's works, Foreverhouse hints at maintaining tradition as a form of resistance to cultural erasure. Since the early 1990s, the bicycle has played a pivotal role in China. Whether in urban centers or the countryside, the bicycle remains one of the most critical and ubiquitous modes of transport. For many people, the bicycle's significance goes beyond its function of transporting us from one place to another; it is an object inextricably tied to modes of life and livelihoods. The bicycle can carry a load of recycled items three times its own weight; it can also tow a cart full of goods for sale. Literally or metaphorically, the bicycle can support an entire family on its two wheels.
The concept of Foreverhouse is to stretch the familiar image of a bicycle to become a travelling home. With the addition of a simple metal structure and draped fabrics, Neri&Hu has turned an ordinary bicycle into a shelter with a table and storage pockets. The fabric pouch uses a pleated fold, containing itself and any precious items within a perfect little pocket. The pattern of the fabric is inspired by the traditional delight from Shanghai: xiaolongbao. The thin but elastic dough of xiaolongbao is a flawless container to hold the aromatic juices while allowing the steam to escape. Rather than focusing on the physical construction of a house, Foreverhouse directs attention to the social realities of our times: with the rising tides of mass migration, what happens to our sense of belonging?
KORA Contemporary Arts Center is a 1600-sqm space dedicated to creating and researching contemporary art, recently opened in Lecce, Italy. KORA Contemporary Arts Center hosts temporary and permanent exhibitions, workshops and public education programs. In addition, the complex contains a library, a bookshop, a bar, an area for children's activities, conference spaces, and an area for events and performances.
For more information about KORA and Home Sweet Home Exhibition, please visit:
http://www.k-ora.it/
About Nuri&Hu
Design Pier capture the preciousness of time and the fragility of a moment
Design Pier returns for Designart Tokyo 2020, compiling a selection of high-end design objects that capture the preciousness of time and the fragility of a moment and compels them to experience life to its fullest. The selection includes unique and precious pieces that challenge commercially made objects' homogeneity and brings a refreshing perspective, creating an emotional attachment between products and users.
Design Pier returns for Designart Tokyo 2020, compiling a selection of high-end design objects that capture the preciousness of time and the fragility of a moment and compels them to experience life to its fullest. The selection includes unique and precious pieces that challenge commercially made objects' homogeneity and brings a refreshing perspective, creating an emotional attachment between products and users.
DAZINGFEELSGOOD (DFG) is a Singapore based design practice founded by Kiat Ng and Karen Chiam in 2015. Guided by design fundamentals, the practice reflects on rational and reduction approaches to explore, design, collaborate and create works that span across furniture, graphic and spatial design disciplines.
The practice has led DFG to produce works that are represented at international art and design platforms including Art Stage (Singapore), Maison&Objet (Paris), SaloneSatellite (Milan), and received recognition from A’ Design Award (Italy), Asia Design Prize (Korea) and Bolia Design Award (Denmark).
Objet is a series of modular planes in the expressions of geometric shapes connected in a methodical arrangement to create assemblages that function as lighting.
Title: Objet
Year: 2020
Dimensions: 500 x 500 x 500mm each (A series of 3 artworks)
Material: Acrylic with dichroic film
In my work I try to find a good balance between what is made and what is found. I want to submit to the nature of fired-clay, and keep certain evidence of my existence. That is my pride as a maker. I like boundaries and rules. Craftsmanship is very important to me.
I make vessels sometimes. Sometimes, I create an object with the intention of creating a vessel. When I take various kinds of minerals, clay, and different parts of Earth, arrange them in a specific way then heat them in my kiln and I feel like I am making a new type of rock in a very short time. The actual rock cycle in nature goes on for millions of years. In my lifetime I hope I can illustrate the process through my practice and bring it into the domestic settings and environments for people to experience.
Pim Sudhikam (1973/ Thailand): Pim holds a Bachelor of Industrial Design from Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, and a Master of Fine Arts from HDK Gothenburg University, Sweden. Since 1998 Pim has been working with clay as her primary medium, investigating pottery as material, process and content. Her works include collections of objects, sculptures, and large-scale, site-specific installations. The works explore a balance between what happened and what being made while she tries to bring natural phenomena into the domestic context in the form of vessels. Pim has taken part in exhibitions, symposia, and residencies in Thailand and abroad. She has received “Awards of Excellence in Arts and Crafts” from the Ministry of Culture, “National Invention Award” from the National Research Council of Thailand, and an Honourable Mention from the 39th Ceramic Competition Gualdo Tadino, Italy. Pim is a board member of the Thai Ceramic Society and elected Council Member of The International Academy of Ceramics (IAC). Her studio is built among trees and gardens in the middle of Bangkok.
The Slim table, available in different sizes and heights, was designed by Matthias Demacker for Sovet. The designer sought the perfect balance between elegance and minimalism to create a model that can surprise the lines' lightness. Offering a selection of finishes that can fit any environment, Sovet's expertise in using materials added value to the model.
About Sovet: Sovet blends the Italian glass art tradition and the contemporary design inspiration to create furniture that speaks an original, elegant and versatile language. The company provides innovative material inspirations, combining elegance, sustainability and minimal design, focusing on the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship, the versatility of the project and the sustainability of the production process. Sovet is a new culture of living for home & contract spaces.
StudioEJ is a Seoul based design studio focusing on furniture and interior design.
“We try to make scenes of space that are created through unique relationships among objects and space.”
Printed Light 2020 is a shelf containing poetic moments drawn with natural light found in interior spaces. The light which is common in everyday life-light coming through the curtains in the morning, red light coming through the blind in the late afternoon and always nice rainbow (prism effect) on the wall-are applied to the spaces of different sizes to induce a warm light experience.
Happy Pixel intends more active and dramatic conversations with objects, which is interaction by applying a mirror to the lenticular as a pixel. If you apply a mirror to the naturalized pixelated image and reflect it on the mirror which is a part of the pixel, you will find a moment assimilated with the natural image.
With several years of working experience for architectural firms, she started her practice focusing on experimental and conceptual projects in a wide range of fields from small objects to space design. Her approach to design is to create a special and unique experience taking a fresh perspective on the mundane.
“Not what it seems to be”
Our memory is molded by daily social interaction with environment. We store the experience in our memory and we shape our own belief and faith.
We tend to judge and make decisions based on what we know. But more often things are “Not what it seems to be”.
“Not what it seems to be”, the massive and masculine objects lead us to believe that they are made out of Heavy Black Iron, yet in contrary all the objects are made of light weight Recycled Carton. Once interacting with the objects, you would find out that they are not merely objects, but an instrumental pair of Maracas filled with natural seeds creating sound inside. Deceiving our expectations, they challenge our sense of perspective and question our own memory and faith while planting a New Memory through interacting with the pieces. Reminding us that Memory is Re-Created every day yet it is a Fragile, Mortal, and Fallible “Object” veiled by a thin layer of Rusting Faith.
THE DESIGNER
Wataru Sakuma is a Philippine-based Japanese designer with a strong background in fine arts. Famous for his creativity and ingenuity, Wataru uses even the most basic of materials, like paper, to create functional yet artistic pieces for urban living. His respect for nature and his ability to see something beautiful in discarded or overlooked materials gives his work conscience.
For more information, please visit: www.designpier.co or http://designart.jp/designarttokyo2020/en/exhibitor/design-pier/
Exhibition dates：Oct 27th – Nov 3rd, 2020
Hours：11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Omotesando Hills Main Building B3F, Space O
Address：4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
About Omotesando Hills
Omotesando Hills is a unique cultural/commercial complex, emerging as the new face of Omotesando, which has transmitted various trends as the hub of Japanese fashion and culture.
The six-level atrium (three stories above ground and three underground stories) at the heart of the main building is complemented by the 700m “Spiral Slope” ramp (“the second Omotesando”) spiraling around the atrium space in an incline roughly equal to that of Omotesando. At the center of the atrium space is a grand stairway (from the first basement to the third basement), leading to a 548㎡ multi-purpose space, called “Space O”, in the third basement which serves as a base for imparting information.
The exterior wall holds a 250m long LED display called “Bright-Up Wall”, illuminating the nightscape of Omotesando.
These creative spaces are combined with “selective” stores mainly positioned along the Spiral Slope, “MEDIA SHIP.”, involved corporations, participating artists, and trend-conscious people who gather at Omotesando Hills combine together in order to evolve the complex into a new facility with unparalleled expressive ability. It is the venue for various events related to fashion and art and continues to generate the latest news.