Milan, ADI Design Museum dedicates exhibition to Japanese design, featuring more than 150 works

From March 23 to June 9, 2024, ADI Design Museum in Milan presents the exhibition “ORIGIN of SIMPLICITY. 20 Visions of Japanese Design,” curated by Rossella Menegazzo with graphic and exhibition design by Kenya Hara. On display are more than 150 works by some of the most representative designers and craftsmen of modern and contemporary design, who have marked the history of Japanese design since the 1960s, as well as exponents of the latest generations. The exhibition explores the origin of the concept of simplicity, now interpreted as emptiness (ku), space or silence (ma), sometimes as poverty (wabi) and imperfection related to wear and tear over time (sabi). These concepts derive from philosophical thoughts such as Zen Buddhism and Shintoism, in contrast to Western rationality.

The exhibition itinerary is conceived as a forest, where each tree groups works that express the same quality. The novel juxtaposition of works by different designers and artisans declines the theme of simplicity through key words that guide the reading. The selected objects emphasize craftsmanship, which has traditionally combined techniques, materials and forms handed down from generation to generation through workshops, historic workshops and masters considered “living national treasures,” an intangible heritage. Approach intended to emphasize the close link between design and craftsmanship and the ever-subtle balance between material and man, technique and technology, that underlies Japanese production. In line with the celebration of simplicity, UNIQLO, with the motto “Simple made better,” joins the exhibition. The Nipponese values expressed are also reflected in the brand’s design, aiming to emphasize Japanese cultural roots and recount its enduring, cross-cultural fascination. The UNIQLO LifeWear, characterized by simple but curated design, will be represented in the new Milan store in Gae Aulenti, consolidating the spatial and cultural proximity with the exhibition.

“The simplicity stems precisely from a deep adherence of the forms to nature, almost an attempt to preserve that sacredness inherent in every element that Shinto animistic thought brings, laying the foundations of Japanese culture,” comments curator Rossella Menegazzo.

This is a research project created with the special support of the Ishibashi Foundation in Tokyo, which ADI President Luciano Galimberti thanks for “the valuable understanding that made possible an unprecedented project of analysis and dissemination of Japanese design, comparing it with Italian design, promoting its cultural and artistic value to the public, which has been the goal and mission of the foundation since its origins in 1956. It is interesting to recall that just a few years earlier, in 1954, the ADI association and the Compasso d’Oro award were born in Italy, with the same goal of promoting the diffusion and excellence of the Italian design system. Some 70 years later these intentions find a common desire to produce a unique exhibition event, which we hope after the exhibition in Milan in our spaces can continue to spread to Tokyo and beyond.”

Pictured: exhibition set-up. Photo: Yuki Sell

Milan, ADI Design Museum dedicates exhibition to Japanese design, featuring more than 150 works

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