[Art Exhibition 2024#01] Shiro Kuramata's Design: A Microcosm in Memory @ Setagaya Art Museum
Exhibition Period: Setagaya Art Museum
November 18, 2023 (Sat) – January 28, 2024 (Sun)
Touring: Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design
February 17, 2024 (Sat) – April 7, 2024 (Sun)
The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
June 11, 2024 (Tue) – August 18, 2024 (Sun)
A "chair" with artificial roses encased in transparent acrylic resin, a "chair" made simply by combining sheets of glass, a "chest of drawers" with 49 drawers arranged in a grid with slightly varying sizes, and a "clock" with seven needles. At first glance, there is surprise, then a smile, and after a while, you realize that the functionality is properly maintained.
Shiro Kuramata (1934-1991) created such unusual furniture and numerous distinctive interior designs. After becoming independent and establishing his own office in 1965, he interacted with contemporary artists and continued to present works based on ideas different from designs that focused primarily on functionality or visual form. In the 1980s, he participated in the Italian design movement "Memphis," and his name quickly spread throughout the world. Kuramata's works are housed in museums in various countries and are still highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad.
In this exhibition, held more than 30 years after his passing, in addition to his furniture and interior work, we also introduce image sketches and dream diaries that offer a glimpse into the sources of his creativity. Using the artist's own words—often referred to as "Kuramata-isms"—as a guide, we look back from before his independence to his all-too-early death. Taking a fresh look at Shiro Kuramata's work and his persona will also be an opportunity to rediscover the possibilities of design.
Personally, this was the exhibition I was looking forward to most this winter season.
At the entrance to the venue, the "How High the Moon" chair, which you can actually sit on, sits prominently.
The number of exhibits was not that large (he passed away early, after all), but actual masterpieces such as the "Glass Chair," "How High the Moon," and "Miss Blanche" were on display, which made me, as a chair lover, very interested.
Because they are not bound by functionality or cost, and are instead pushed toward design, they have a high degree of freedom and possess a sculptural beauty like objects.
They have transcended the realm of chairs and are worthy of being called modern art.
I was moved to see several "Miss Blanche" chairs lined up, which would now fetch tens of millions of yen at auction.
I was stunned by the beauty of the balance between the stoic curves and straight lines, like a sports car.
The pop color schemes and atmosphere of the 80s that drift throughout are now, conversely, fresh and cool!
However, it was a shame that there were few works that could be photographed.
The Artizon Museum also has Kuramata works that you can actually sit on, such as "How High the Moon" and the "Glass Bench", but they each radiate an extraordinary presence.
To be honest, they are not comfortable to sit on.
Well, they aren't the type of chairs that seek comfort in the first place.
[Museum Masterpiece Chairs] Summary Magazine ↓
[Art Exhibition 2024] Summary Magazine ↓
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