Works
"Where do we come from, and where are we going"
2010, Poster series, meteors, Mars globe, and other works This 12 poster series focuses on the question "where do we come from, and where are we going?" by introducing meteors from the distant universe that have landed on earth. Including the message by Takafumi Matsui the posters are designed by Katsumi Asaba. "Wareware wa Doko e Ikunoka? (Where Are We Going?)" by Takafumi Matsui is a book that Issey Miyake pored over when he exchanged ideas with many people in his search for the future of "making things." Matsui reminds us of the importance in people looking at themselves once again from a perspective of the universe and the earth.
[Special Exhibit from Nov. 2nd to 28th]
Asteroid Explorer "HAYABUSA" 1/2 scale model
In contrast to conventional offset printing which requires use of water in its printing process, "waterless printing" makes use of the ink-repelling properties of the print material in machine plates to achieve printing without water. This process is focused on as revolutionary technology that greatly alleviates environmental burden such as by reducing the amount of waste fluids created by organic solvents. Meanwhile, it is also recognized for its high-precision finish that prevents any smearing of ink by water. The exhibition introduces the "Toray waterless offset printing" which was used to produce the printed advertisements of this exhibition.
The "ECO CIRCLE®" closed-loop recycling system by TEIJIN FIBERS LTD. dissolves collected material down to the molecular level and creates high grade polyester intermediates (DMT) that are as equally well made as those made from petroleum. It is a chemical recycling process that opens doors to continuous renewal without degradation of the material quality. Data shows that the amount of energy used as well as the amount of CO2 emitted by this system is approximately 80% less than conventional processes that create DMT from petroleum.
"Rebirth and Re-creation: Portal to the Future"
2010, film documentary
From the development of thread to weaving of material, creation of garments, and its being worn by people...this documentary film brings attention once again to fiber manufacturing plants and textile production centers, visiting areas across Japan, capturing on film the manufacturing sites that bring joy to people through "making things." This documentary revolves around the processes behind the activities conducted by the Reality Lab Project Team. (25 minutes)
2010, Installation featuring 3D object (3D origami) and footage
Introduced are eight new pieces of 3D origami created by Jun Mitani, who represents cutting edge technology in the form of a familiar sculptural aesthetic. Each of the works, designed through the powers of computer technology is featured as a movie installation by WOW which introduces the steps taken in folding the finished object from a piece of paper. In addition, Mitani offers viewers a special opportunity to view past 3D origami prototypes and his recent research.
"132 5. ISSEY MIYAKE"
2009 -, Clothing
The title, "132 5. ISSEY MIYAKE" explains the idea that one piece of cloth turned three dimensional returns to two-dimensional and the moment the garment is worn, it steps beyond time and space and into a fifth dimension... A three dimensional form is created using software developed by Jun Mitani. The form is reduced again to two-dimensional by "folding" it from above. The creases made during this process are then used to create clothing. The fabric is Teijin's recycled polyester with added modifications.
Lighting prototype
There is much research and development taking place at the Reality Lab Project Team in addition to "132 5. ISSEY MIYAKE." One is the development of lighting fixtures that build upon the same folding pattern as "132 5. ISSEY MIYAKE." The material used is recycled polyester nonwoven fabric. The light is distinct in that it is without structure and created purely from folds. The expressions of light, its "innei, " or its shade and shadows, created by the folds have given it the name, "IN-EI." Prototypes of lighting fixtures in various forms will be on exhibit.
2010, Movie
The unique features of "132 5. ISSEY MIYAKE" are introduced by Pascal Roulin. This unprecedented method of clothes making that draws upon the mathematics of paper folding and the garment's dramatic transition from jacket to skirt, to pants, made possible through the combination and application of identical "folding" patterns, will be introduced through Roulin's film in his simple and clear style.
2010, Installation
"Fixing Nature" explores transformation to a new dimension by fixing logs and tree trunks with medical casts just like a broken arm. This series started with "absent nature exhibition" held in Chicago's Wright Gallery in 2008. By bringing two trees together through a cast, Levy presents an opportunity for discovering new life and new ways of thinking.
2010, Photography
Of the many products created by Japanese companies in their quest for inventive "making things" underpinned by superior technological competence, Iwasaki chose one machine linked to "the future of food," an area of particular interest for Iwasaki. The result is a group of still life photographs that draw upon the machine's functions. His motifs are foods including vegetables and fish frozen by the "CAS (Cells Alive System) Fresh technology developed by ABI Co., Ltd., a revolutionary technology that controls tissue damage at minimum and preserves freshness and flavor of food by freezing them as live cells.
2010, Movie (moving logo) Installation
A proposal of a recycling mark that redefines "the concept of recycling." Though society is already familiar with the recycling mark and its looping arrows, REBIRTH PROJECT has created 5 new works of moving logos, all of which are marks that embody the new concept of recycling as seen through "BEYOND RECYCLE." The series of works is exemplary of REBIRTH PROJECT which seeks to "take action as a challenge in order to create a positive cycle of superior quality."
Planning Associate: Noriko Kawakami
Exhibition Lighting Design: Haruki Kaito









