Discussion on Surface Design | Kenya Hara's Insights
In a captivating event co-sponsored by Surface and Los Angeles, renowned art director Kenya Hara shared insights about his latest exhibition, "Takeo Paper Show: SUBTLE." Held at Hollywood & Highland on April 13th, the Design Dialogue was moderated by Spencer Bailey, editor-in-chief of Surface.
Hara, the art director for Japanese product brand Muji, and the chief creative director for a specific website project, spoke about the exhibition's theme, "paper, design, and technology." He explained that SUBTLE is a contemporary take on fine papers, distinct from shows themed on traditional Japanese washi paper. The exhibition, organized annually by Takeo Co., Ltd., aims to capture the sense of Japanese culture while offering a fresh perspective.
Hara stated that the theme SUBTLE is about awakening one's senses. He emphasized the sensory and perceptual experience that subtle materials like paper can provide, rather than their mere physical qualities. This philosophy is evident in his design philosophy at Muji, where he champions the concept of emptiness, reflecting simplicity, minimalism, and the space for personal interpretation.
One of the exhibits in the Takeo Paper Show: SUBTLE is "Chocolate's Hats," created by Hara himself. These tiny, laser-cut tracing paper structures, designed for fine chocolates, are a testament to Hara's design philosophy. The laser cutting technology used in their creation further enhances their delicate interplay of texture and form, inviting viewers to experience design as an extension of natural and human subtlety.
The first part of the Takeo Paper Show: SUBTLE contains works designed and produced by 15 creators working in Japan. Kenya Hara is one of these creators, showcasing his unique perspective on the intersection of paper, design, and technology. More than 100 designers, architects, artists, and other creatives attended the event, making it a vibrant celebration of innovation and creativity.
During the conversation, Hara discussed his design philosophy and thoughts on the SUBTLE exhibition. His focus lies not on the ostentatious or overtly complex, but on the delicate interplay of texture and form that activates refined sensory perception. This approach encourages a deeper, more mindful interaction with the object and environment, aligning with a broader ethos of sustainability, eco-consciousness, and respect for craftsmanship and culture.
In the SUBTLE exhibition, Hara seeks to capture the sense of Japanese culture in the exhibition itself. By emphasizing subtlety in design, he invites viewers to engage with the exhibits in a way that is both thought-provoking and immersive, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and potential of paper as a medium for artistic expression.
- The design philosophy of Kenya Hara, as showcased in the Takeo Paper Show: SUBTLE, seeks to emphasize subtlety, aligning with a broader ethos of sustainability, eco-consciousness, and respect for craftsmanship and culture.
- The first part of the Takeo Paper Show: SUBTLE features works by 15 creators, including Kenya Hara, all working within Japan, creating an immersive celebration of innovation and creativity in the realm of art, design, and technology.
- One of the exhibits in the Takeo Paper Show: SUBTLE, "Chocolate's Hats," created by Hara himself, demonstrates his design philosophy through delicate laser-cut tracing paper structures designed for fine chocolates, showcasing the interplay of texture and form through cutting-edge technology.
- The SUBTLE exhibition offers a contemporary take on Japanese culture, inviting visitors to engage with the exhibits in a way that is thought-provoking and immersive, capturing the essence of Japanese culture while presenting a fresh perspective.
