A total of 27 artworks from Taiwan and Japan that bring together modern digital technology and time-honored craftsmanship will be exhibited at the AXIS Gallery in Tokyo from Oct. 10 to 14.
Titled "Hybrid Furniture Exhibition - Emotion Touching from Tradition," the event will kick off with two synchronized opening ceremonies in Taiwan and Japan, respectively, on Oct. 11, with events centered on craftsmanship and how traditional art pushes the boundaries of traditional medium.
Prior to the opening ceremonies, a discussion on the development of Japanese crafts will take place at the Nantou County-based National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute, the display's co-organizer.
The 50-minute event, featuring industrial design expert Li Jian-you (李建佑) and software engineer Chen Yi-ting (陳奕廷), will also cast light on how the traditional artworks are made modern with the infusion of technology.
Meanwhile, the opening ceremony in Japan will feature a virtual livestream tour of the exhibition composed of 16 pieces from Taiwan and 11 from Japan. Among highlights from Taiwan are woodcarvings, lacquerwares, and wooden pieces that explore the relationship between digital techniques and traditional wood bending practice, including furniture, screens, and cupboards with smooth and delicate curves.
In addition, Emu Masuyama, lecturer at Keio University's Hiroya Tanaka Laboratory, will demonstrate how recycled plastics can be 3D printed into colorful seating furniture at the opening. Japanese lacquer artist Kenji Toki will also introduce the dry lacquer technique and highlight how capable the traditional Japanese form-making method is in fabricating contemporary products with lightness.
The exhibition is a joint effort by the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute and Taiwan Cultural Center in Tokyo, a platform for the promotion of Taiwanese culture in Japan.
'Hybrid Furniture Exhibition - Emotion Touching from Tradition'
Date: Oct. 10 – 14, 2020
Venue: AXIS Gallery
Address: 5-17-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo