Organic Elegance: 'Into the Space' by NAKAMURA KAZUNOBU DESIGN-WORKS

A captivating installation by NAKAMURA KAZUNOBU DESIGN-WORKS, celebrating the essence of Japanese beauty through innovative art and design.

NAKAMURA KAZUNOB DESIGN-WORKS proudly introduces 'Into the Space', an artistic endeavor that eloquently manifests the nuances of Japanese beauty. This installation art space is not merely a visual spectacle but an immersive experience inviting the audience to step into a world of elegant simplicity and profound aesthetics.

Set against the backdrop of Japanese dance performances, 'Into the Space' transforms the stage into an interactive domain where the audience is invited to engage directly with the art, both pre and post-performance. The installation draws inspiration from the Heian period's "Sakuteiki - Visions of the Japanese Garden", emphasizing the significance of creating space by placing an object within emptiness. Echoing Ikenobo Sen'o's words from the early modern period, the installation uses a solitary object to summon the grandeur of rivers and mountains, evoking vast, unseen landscapes.

This artistic concept is rooted in the Japanese tradition of perceiving clouds as an integral part of the scenery. Inspired by the mesmerizing, swirling formations often seen in the humid skies of Japan's island climate, the designer recreates these natural phenomena. Thin boards strategically placed catch and manipulate light and shadow, crafting an illusion of voluminous clouds. This singular organic form creates a spatial void, drawing visitors into a contemplative encounter with this cloud-like entity.

The creation process involves meticulous 3D mapping of hundreds of thin boards, finely adjusted for structural balance using advanced computational design. These boards, composed of robust 100% virgin pulp material, are suspended from the ceiling on steel mesh grid panels, each balanced on thin threads. The result is a delicate, floating form, bringing to life the aesthetic principles of Japanese design.

'Into the Space' transcends its immediate setting, adapting to various environments to create differing scenes. Its flexibility in spatial application is already proven through exhibits in multiple locations, with more in planning. This approach to space creation is a testament to the versatility and universality of Japanese design philosophy.

The work stands as a bold expression of Japanese aesthetics, where the beauty of a single natural element is expanded into an encompassing space. Through 'Into the Space', NAKAMURA KAZUNOBU DESIGN-WORKS captures the essence of Japanese artistry, presenting a space where minimalism and nature converge in a dance of shadows and light, offering a serene yet profound experience to every visitor.

Image Credit: Masaki Komatsu