ART | Ikko Tanaka and the Four Corners of Design

ART | A Decade On, His Legacy Reconsidered

Ikko Tanaka and the Front and Back of Design

An exhibition exploring the life and work of Ikko Tanaka (1930-2002), one of Japan's foremost graphic designers, titled 'Ikko Tanaka and the Front and Back of Design,' will be held from Friday, September 21, 2012, to Sunday, January 20, 2013, at 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT in Tokyo Midtown Garden.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

Exploring Tanaka's Design Philosophy and Expressions Through Rich Materials

Ikko Tanaka, who headed his own design studio, was active internationally in various fields, including exhibition design for the Japan World Exposition government pavilion and art direction for MUJI. He created a new image of the designer as someone who comprehensively supports corporate image strategy from a design perspective. A decade after his passing, an exhibition introducing his achievements is being held at 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, a design facility directed by leading Japanese designers such as Issey Miyake, Taku Satoh, and Naoto Fukasawa.

This exhibition is directed by Kazuko Koike, who worked with Tanaka, and its spatial design and graphic design are handled by Masamasa Hiromura, an art director who trained at the Ikko Tanaka Design Studio. Rooted in Tanaka's book 'The Front and Back of Design,' the exhibition explores the breadth of his ideas and the ways his expressions took shape.

The exhibition examines a vast number of his remaining works and materials, positioning him as a proponent of uniquely Japanese visual expression. It showcases not only his graphic design work, which formed the core of his practice, but also valuable archives detailing his activities, including videos, illustrations, and documentary materials. Through these, the exhibition delves into the creator Ikko Tanaka, exploring how his design philosophy evolved and was expressed.

Furthermore, during the exhibition period, a series of talks titled 'Conversations' by various creators and cultural figures, including Makoto Wada, Tadanori Yokoo, and Issey Miyake + Reality Lab., as well as a letterpress printing workshop by Yui Takada and gallery tours, will be held.

Ikko Tanaka and the Front and Back of Design 04

Left: Poster for 'The 3rd International Hokusai Conference Obuse,' The 3rd International Hokusai Conference Obuse Executive Committee, 1998 / Right: Preliminary drawing for 'The 3rd International Hokusai Conference Obuse'

This exhibition traces the creative journey of Ikko Tanaka, who navigated the turbulent post-war era with remarkable vitality. Filled with messages for contemporary society, it offers insights into new directions and possibilities for future creation.

Ikko Tanaka and the Front and Back of Design
Dates: Friday, September 21, 2012 – Sunday, January 20, 2013
Closed: Tuesdays (Open on October 30 and December 25), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 27 – January 3)
Hours: 11:00 – 20:00 (Last admission 19:30)
Venue: 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
9-7-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, within Tokyo Midtown Garden
Tel. 03-3475-2121
Admission: General ¥1000, University Students ¥800, Junior High/High School Students ¥500, Children elementary school age and younger free