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December 26, 2014
Canon | Salone del Mobile Milan: Creator's On-Site Report from "NEOREAL IN THE FOREST"
Canon
Milan Salone 2012 "NEOREAL IN THE FOREST"
Creator's On-Site Report
During the exhibition period from April 17th to 22nd, by the evening of the final day, Canon's exhibit, "NEOREAL IN THE FOREST" at Milan Salone, had attracted over 45,000 visitors.Milan Salone 2012 "NEOREAL IN THE FOREST"Masumi Yamamoto of DAILY PRESS, the attaché de presse, reports from the venue, sharing the creators' production processes and post-exhibition thoughts, details not mentioned in the press releases.
Text by YAMAMOTO Masumi (DAILY PRESS)Photographs by OHKI Daisuke
A Contrast to the "Still" of "spring" and the "Dynamic" of "Fall in Pop"
Canon's fifth participation in Milan Salone centered on the theme of "forest." Both "spring" and "Fall in Pop" eschewed direct forest motifs, instead using everyday objects like matchboxes, colored pencils, and rubber bands to express the quietude and dynamism of a forest.
Even as video technology and equipment become more high-tech, we aimed to create works that evoke a sense of human touch and nostalgia using familiar materials, rather than worlds devoid of human feeling. By treating photography and video as crafts, we hope to offer new perspectives and discoveries from everyday objects.
Ryuji Nakamura (Architect) × Nobuhiro Shimura (Video Artist) = "spring"
Ryuji Nakamura
The inspiration for this work came from the question of what would happen if light with form, as seen in rays piercing fog or clouds, could be received within a space.
While I had not previously created works involving video, I aimed for a state where the piece could exist simultaneously as a structure and as a video, not solely as one or the other.
In the creation process, we faced challenges in selecting materials, devising mechanisms for the structure, transporting components, unitizing them for assembly, and determining joint methods, all to faithfully construct a very simple grid. This process also led to numerous discoveries that made realization possible.
Visitors frequently asked about the construction method, the concept, and whether the piece was self-supporting. I felt that the work was received exactly as we had intended.
Visitors frequently asked about the construction method, the concept, and whether the piece was self-supporting. I felt that the work was received exactly as we had intended.
mintdesigns (Fashion Designer) × Nobuhiro Shimura (Video Artist) = "Fall in Pop"
mintdesigns
Using materials and techniques from the fashion field, we created a three-dimensional screen that leverages the lightness and softness of the materials.
We struggled with the scale, which was entirely different from the garments we usually produce. For this work, we used approximately 800 times the amount of fabric used for a single garment. We explored the aesthetic beauty created by allowing this volume of fabric to drape according to gravity, much like in clothing construction. The quantity of fabric and its drape at this scale were unprecedented for us, and realizing it proved quite challenging.
The material used is polyester glass organza. Among organzas, we selected a highly transparent material that shimmers like water when illuminated. We also used pleating to express the flow and undulation of water.
Observing visitors' reactions, I was delighted to see their expressions brighten and hear their exclamations of wonder the moment they stepped into the exhibition space. As they spent time within the space, light filled the floor, walls, and the entire area. Many people found new perspectives and took numerous photos, seeking the perfect shot. I believe the exhibition resonated not only with design professionals but also with the general public.
We began conceptualizing the video by considering what kind of imagery would best bring out the unique qualities and potential of the screens created by Ryuji Nakamura and mintdesigns.
Previously, I discovered existing spaces and materials to use as screens for my video works. Therefore, having pre-existing, completed screens presented a significant constraint for me compared to other video artists. However, it also provided a valuable experience, allowing me to experiment with screens I would never have conceived of on my own.
Since the projection surfaces were unique creations for this exhibition, each projection test yielded unexpected effects, leading to a continuous stream of discoveries. We also continued to refine the optimal exhibition plan right up until the final moments before the official opening, engaging in trial and error to determine the best approach.
Since the projection surfaces were unique creations for this exhibition, each projection test yielded unexpected effects, leading to a continuous stream of discoveries. We also continued to refine the optimal exhibition plan right up until the final moments before the official opening, engaging in trial and error to determine the best approach.
Canon Milan Salone 2012
Theme: "NEOREAL IN THE FOREST"
Dates: April 17 (Tue) - 22 (Sun), 2012, 10:00 - 21:00
Venue: Art Point, Superstudio Più
Superstudio Più ART POINT
Via Tortona 27, Milan (Tortona District)
Free Admission
http://canon.jp/milano2012/
Theme: "NEOREAL IN THE FOREST"
Dates: April 17 (Tue) - 22 (Sun), 2012, 10:00 - 21:00
Venue: Art Point, Superstudio Più
Superstudio Più ART POINT
Via Tortona 27, Milan (Tortona District)
Free Admission
http://canon.jp/milano2012/
Tel. +81-3-3758-2111 (General Inquiries)