21_21 DESIGN SIGHT

Focusing on the relationship between man and his environment, the exhibition was composed of works by Naoto Fukasawa, who gives shape to the tacit image we hold in common, and photography by Tamotsu Fujii, who captures the light and air that surround things. While the exhibit re-focused on product design and people, people and life and the relationship people have with their surroundings, and by doing so, made the "outline of design" visible, when we were too used to recognize it.
Date: October 16, 2009 - January 30, 2010

An "outline" is a contour of something. It is also the boundary that delineates an object and its surrounds. Since that which surrounds an object is air, the outline of a hole in the air that is shaped like an object is the same as the outline of the object itself. The air is also a metaphor for the atmosphere around that object. This air (atmosphere) is composed of everything that exists around the object - elements such as peoples' experiences and memories; customs and gestures; time, circumstance and sound; technology and culture; and history and trends. Should even one of these elements change, and the outline of the object changes too. People share this outline of the air implicitly. My job is to determine this outline and to design something that slots right into it.
When I first saw Tamotsu Fujii's photos, I was surprised at the indistinct outlines of things. But when I thought about it, I realized that since objects blend into the air and light, their outlines can't clearly be seen by people. I was blown away by this fact. I thought, "Fujii takes photos of scenery, even when he's photographing objects." He's captured both my designs and the air that surrounds them. Tamotsu Fujii sees the outlines that everyone knows yet cannot see.

Naoto Fukasawa

I first met Naoto Fukasawa when working on a series for the magazine Modern Living - the project consisted of a configuration of 3 photos of products designed by Naoto Fukasawa. This is the 22nd time I've photographed his works for the publication; since the magazine comes out every other month, we've been playing catch ball like this now for about four years.
In his writings, Fukasawa notes that there is no electricity or running water at the mountain cabin he built and at which he spends his weekends. He says that it is living with these inconveniences that show him what is really necessary in life. This man, who designs cutting edge industrial products, places himself in both situations - of convenience and inconvenience - when he thinks. I believe that I can trust in the expressions and the words that emerge from such a man. Self-denial and a sense of humility towards nature are still necessary for people. "Objects" do not tell stories, but in fact behind them lie many words and truths. In the face of products for which embellishments are extraneous, I take photographs as though I were looking at a piece of scenery or at a sculpture.

Tamotsu Fujii