ART│An exhibition showcasing the full scope of 60 years of work, "The Textiles of Junichi Arai: Tradition and Creation."
ART│A Retrospective of 60 Years of Work
The Exhibition 'Junichi Arai's Textiles: Tradition and Creation'
Junichi Arai, a textile planner who has created a diverse range of fabrics essential to fashion. This exhibition, 'Junichi Arai's Textiles: Tradition and Creation,' delves into his work to date. It will be held at Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery in Shinjuku from Saturday, January 12, 2013, to Sunday, March 24, 2013.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Constantly 'Inventing' Fabrics That Captivate Numerous Fashion Designers
Born in 1932 in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, known as a center for weaving, Junichi Arai began working in the family weaving business after graduating from high school. While engaging in traditional fabric production, he also started creating fabrics by applying new dyeing and weaving techniques from an early stage.
Arai has "invented" a succession of fabrics that defy conventional boundaries, such as ultra-lightweight textiles woven with metallic threads made from plastic film, fabrics that coexist transparency and reflection, and voluminous felt created by washing wool fabrics in water for extended periods. His free-spirited ideas and unique methodologies have astonished viewers. From the 1970s to the 1980s, he collaborated with leading Japanese fashion designers like Issey Miyake and Rei Kawakubo, as well as international designers, in uncompromising creative endeavors that expanded the scope of his work.
This exhibition is planned to showcase the entirety of his 60-year career. The exhibition design was handled by Tsuyoshi Tane of the Paris-based architectural unit DGT (Dorell.Gottlieb.Tane Architects).
Exhibition view from 'Junichi Arai: Evolving Textiles' at the Museum of Modern Art, Gunma, 2005
The venue displays 60 pieces of fabric created using diverse techniques, including new works. This highlights Arai's innovative approach to creating new textures, rooted in traditional craftsmanship. Furthermore, the space is enhanced with visuals and sound, introducing the folk crafts that have inspired him and photographs he has taken around the world.
Past and future. Industry and art. Craftsmanship and technology. The exhibition 'Junichi Arai's Textiles: Tradition and Creation' illuminates the work of Junichi Arai, who has continuously fused disparate elements. We highly recommend experiencing firsthand the work that has captivated so many fashion designers.
'Junichi Arai's Textiles: Tradition and Creation'
Dates│Saturday, January 12, 2013 – Sunday, March 24, 2013
Closed│Mondays, and Sunday, February 10. (If Monday is a public holiday, then Tuesday.)
Hours│11:00 – 19:00 (Fridays and Saturdays until 20:00)
Admission│General ¥1000, University/High School Students ¥800, Junior High/Elementary School Students ¥600
Venue│Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery
3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5353-0756