Discussion on Surface Design | Kenya Hara's Insights
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Kenya Hara, the renowned art director for Japanese product brand Muji and the chief creative director for an unspecified website project, was the speaker at a recent event - the Surface magazine Design Dialogue. The event, co-sponsored by Surface and a website named Los Angeles, focused on discussing the Los Angeles's latest exhibition, Takeo Paper Show: SUBTLE.
The Design Dialogue was heavily influenced by Hara's input, with the conversation revolving around his design philosophy and thoughts on the SUBTLE exhibition. Hara's design philosophy centers on simplicity, emptiness, and the subtle power of design to influence perception rather than just aesthetics. He sees design as a way to change how we see the world, emphasizing usability, quietness, and thoughtful restraint rather than mere minimalism.
The SUBTLE exhibition is a contemporary take on fine papers, differing from shows themed on traditional Japanese washi paper. The theme of the Takeo Paper Show is the intersection of paper, design, and technology. The exhibition features 28 exhibits, divided into three parts, including works from 15 creators in Japan, including Hara himself and his creation, "Chocolate's Hats."
"Chocolate's Hats" are tiny, tracing paper structures designed for fine chocolates. Hara explained that he wanted to capture the sense of Japanese culture in the exhibition itself, and these hats, inspired by plankton he saw under microscopes, are a testament to that vision.
The first part of the exhibition contained these works, and Hara's design philosophy and thoughts on the SUBTLE exhibition were discussed during the conversation. The exhibition is not about the subtlety of paper itself, but about awakening one's senses. When we touch and feel paper, according to Hara, our senses become subtly and elaborately sharpened.
The event was attended by more than 100 designers, architects, artists, and creatives. The Takeo Paper Show: SUBTLE exhibition is organized annually by Takeo Co., Ltd. The exhibition is a celebration of the subtle beauty of paper and a testament to Hara's design philosophy, demonstrating how design can evoke emotion and contemplation through understated beauty and subtlety.
- Kenya Hara's design philosophy, centered on simplicity and the power of design to influence perception, was the focus of the conversation during the Surface magazine Design Dialogue.
- The Takeo Paper Show: SUBTLE exhibition, co-sponsored by Surface and Los Angeles, showcases the intersection of paper, design, and technology, with 28 exhibits divided into three parts.
- Hara's creation, "Chocolate's Hats," are part of the first part of the exhibition, designed to capture the sense of Japanese culture and reflect Hara's vision for the show.
- The Takeo Paper Show: SUBTLE is more than just an exhibition about the subtlety of paper; it aims to awaken one's senses and demonstrates Hara's design philosophy through understated beauty and subtlety.
