DesignArt Tokyo is in full swing this week. The annual celebration, now in it’s 3rd iteration, converts Tokyo into a massive museum with galleries, retail stores and event venues all joining in. And this year it’s bigger and more diverse than ever with over 300 designers participating at over 100 locations. That’s a lot to digest and a full list of everything going on, along with a convenient map, can be found on the official website. But here are just a few of our favorites. The events continue through October 27, 2019.
Shigeki Yamamoto at World Kita-Aoyama Bldg.
One of the main events is happening in Omotesando at the World Kita-Aoyama Bldg. Joining the 1% for Art movement, which advocates for 1% of a nation’s construction budget to go toward public art projects, a group exhibition of Asian designers is being held. While design in Asia used to be conservative and risk averse, this exhibition posits that a new generation of bold Asian designers are emerging.
Shigeki Yamamoto is a perfect example. This designer creates furniture made of details reminiscent of construction kit bricks for kids.
Masashi Hirao at Kolor Minami-Aoyama
At fashion label kolor in Minami-Aoyamai, bonsai artist Masashi Hirao is displaying several of his unique creations. The artist is known for his unconventional bonsai that push and expand on the definitions of the traditional art through themes of instability and balance.
Jun Murakoshi at Tiers Gallery in Omotesando
Tiers Gallery in Omotesando is a creative space run by Arakawa Grip, a maker of hanging systems whose uses encompass everything from artwork to shelving. Here, product designer Jun Murakoshi is showcasing “bloom,” his innovative series of blown glass vases that incorporates embroidery in a new and unexpected way.
Yu Nagaba at Volvo Minami-Aoyama
Illustrator Yu Nagaba’s minimal, simple-lined creations are on display at carmaker Volvo’s Minami-Aoyama showroom.
Koichi Futatsumata at Artek Tokyo in Omotesando
At Finnish furniture maker Artek’s Tokyo location, designer Koichi Futatsumata is showcasing his collaboration with the brand, which was part of a larger initiative celebrating the 100-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and Japan.
This Kiulu Bench (Kiulu means sauna bucket in Finnish) finds inspiration in the traditional buckets used in public baths. It’s a nod to the public bathing cultures of both Finland and Japan, and serves as a seat and basket for items such as towels and cosmetics, magazines or toys.
Team Balanco at Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi
Team Balanco are a collective of landscape designers, architects and furniture designers. Outside Tokyo Midtown, they’re showcasing intree table, one of their latest collaborations where you can sit down, open your laptop and feel like you’re in a tree house.
Spoon & Tamago are proud to be an official media sponsor of DesignArt. You can see our coverage of last year’s activities right here.
