The finest examples of Japanese design, with a focus on everyday products, will be displayed during Japanese Design Today 100 at the Gallery of TCDC Bangkok, from Wednesday until May 26.
Presented by the Japan Foundation, the travelling exhibition is an opportunity to witness the subtle and unique characteristics that make Japanese product design acclaimed internationally.
Initially organised in 2004 and then renewed 10 years later, it will bring 100 superbly designed products -- both classic and modern -- of recent years. Eleven pieces showcase the Post-World War II designs -- namely, the Nikon F camera and Toshiba's electric rice-cooker -- while the rest depict modern designs produced after 2010, such as Sony's handycam and Panasonic's touchpad.
The word "today" in the exhibition thus comprehensively encompasses the time frame dating back from the 1950s until after 2010 that had a significant influence on the design of today.
The products exhibited are divided into 10 categories: classic Japanese design, furniture and housewares, tableware and cookware, apparel and accessories, children, stationery, hobbies, healthcare, disaster relief, and transportation.
The design of household products could be a mirror, reflecting the life of our society and the personal lifestyles of individuals. These designs render a vivid picture of hopes and dreams of the people who use the products, as well as the designers and corporations who create them.
The opening ceremony is tomorrow at 2pm, followed by a talk on "The Matter Of Things: So Products Design Our Life?" at 3.30pm. The speakers will be Asst Prof Patave Arrayapharnon, packaging design instructor at Silpakorn University's Faculty of Decorative Arts, and Tanith Vachiraprakanskul, founder of MOHo Studio. It will be conducted in Thai.
The exhibition will travel to TCDC Chiang Mai from June 8-30, and then Khon Kaen University's Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts Gallery from July 12-28.
There is no admission fee. TCDC Bangkok is at the Grand Postal Building, Charoen Krung Road, and is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 10.30am-9pm (closed on May 9).
Visit http://web.tcdc.or.th/th/Events/Detail/30219. Visit http://jfbkk.or.th.
