ART | 'TDC Exhibition 2013' and 'Karel Martens', his first solo exhibition in Japan, at ggg
LOUNGE / ART
December 5, 2014

ART | 'TDC Exhibition 2013' and 'Karel Martens', his first solo exhibition in Japan, at ggg


ART | Award-winning works from the Tokyo TDC 2013 competition are on display


ggg hosts 'TDC Exhibition 2013' and the first-ever Japanese solo exhibition of Karel Martens



The Ginza Graphic Gallery (ggg) is currently hosting 'TDC Exhibition 2013,' showcasing award-winning works from the International Annual Design Competition 'Tokyo TDC Award 2013,' featuring cutting-edge typography and design. Additionally, the first Japanese solo exhibition of Karel Martens, a leading Dutch designer, titled 'KM Karel Martens,' will be held from April 27 (Saturday) to May 8 (Wednesday), running until May 30 (Thursday).



Text by YANAKA Tomomi




'Now is Better' created with various items like goldfish bowls, mugs, and eggs




The 'Tokyo TDC Award 2013' received 3,015 entries from Japan and abroad. The Grand Prix was awarded to 'Now Is Better' by the American design duo Stefan Sagmeister and Jessica Walsh. This work expresses the joy of living in a modern era where most people can determine their own destiny, through typography that spells out 'Now is Better,' crafted using various items such as goldfish bowls, mugs, and eggs. These elements were then connected and presented as a video work.


KM Karel Martens 08

KM Karel Martens 09

KM Karel Martens 10



Other award-winning pieces include 'Forget Easy, Remember Crazy' by Masayoshi Nakajo, who has long created cover art for the magazine 'Kurashi no Techo,' and 'Thinking About Architecture,' designed by Kaoru Kasai, who also received a special award. Approximately 100 works, including nominated and excellent pieces, will be exhibited.



Works with layered, clear colors reconfigured as installations





Meanwhile, from May 8 (Wednesday) to May 30 (Thursday), the gallery will host the first solo exhibition in Japan by globally acclaimed graphic designer Karel Martens. Active since the 1960s, primarily in the Netherlands, his work is known to influence Japanese designers.

The exhibition will feature commissioned works and independent experimental pieces created over the years, newly arranged as installations. Alongside these, a new work will be introduced, evolving from his 1964 'Kinetic Box Construction,' which served as a catalyst for his current artistic direction.

Furthermore, a gallery talk by Karel Martens, who will be visiting Japan, will be held on the opening day, May 8 (Wednesday). Experience the world of Martens, known for his striking works characterized by layered, clear colors. Don't miss this first opportunity in Japan.


KM Karel Martens 01



'TDC Exhibition 2013'
Dates: April 4 (Thursday) – April 27 (Saturday) *Closed Sundays and holidays
Hours: 11:00 – 19:00 *Saturdays until 18:00
Venue: Ginza Graphic Gallery
7-7-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo DNP Ginza Building
Tel. 03-3571-5206
Admission: Free

'KM Karel Martens'
Dates: May 8 (Wednesday) – May 30 (Thursday) *Closed Sundays and holidays
Hours: 11:00 – 19:00 *Saturdays until 18:00
Venue: Ginza Graphic Gallery
7-7-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo DNP Ginza Building
Tel. 03-3571-5206
Admission: Free

Karel Martens Gallery Talk
Date: May 8 (Wednesday)
Time: 16:00 – 17:30
Venue: DNP Ginza Building 3F
Capacity: 70 people
Fee: Free
How to apply: Apply via www.dnp.co.jp/foundation/