SPACE ARITA exchange program 2024
Unnecessary/Necessities
In Humanlike characters are central to Japanese popular culture and a critical tool in corporate and government outreach. Characters making official communications more approachable, and transforming something as simple as food packaging into a small moment of joy. Meanwhile, it is a culture that deeply honours ancient traditions while embracing the colourful, expressive realm of modern technology and pop culture.
This exploration of Arita porcelain, uses Japan’s blend of tradition and playful modernity as a lens to reimagine ornamentation’s place in contemporary European design. As a re-interpretation of the traditional “danjü” stacking box, they serve as a modern “comprador bottle”, the containers that were us to export Japanese produce to the Netherlands during the Edo-period. This message aims to revive an appreciation for ornament and detail in modern life, a culture where decorations have been deemed “unnecessary”. By integrating the industrial imprints of single-use plastics, I grasp for the last trace of ornamentation - a reminder of the beauty lost, in the pursuit of pure efficiency. Meanwhile accepting, that the materiality of these containers let them live far beyond their intended purpose.
Unnecessary/Necessities
In Humanlike characters are central to Japanese popular culture and a critical tool in corporate and government outreach. Characters making official communications more approachable, and transforming something as simple as food packaging into a small moment of joy. Meanwhile, it is a culture that deeply honours ancient traditions while embracing the colourful, expressive realm of modern technology and pop culture.
This exploration of Arita porcelain, uses Japan’s blend of tradition and playful modernity as a lens to reimagine ornamentation’s place in contemporary European design. As a re-interpretation of the traditional “danjü” stacking box, they serve as a modern “comprador bottle”, the containers that were us to export Japanese produce to the Netherlands during the Edo-period. This message aims to revive an appreciation for ornament and detail in modern life, a culture where decorations have been deemed “unnecessary”. By integrating the industrial imprints of single-use plastics, I grasp for the last trace of ornamentation - a reminder of the beauty lost, in the pursuit of pure efficiency. Meanwhile accepting, that the materiality of these containers let them live far beyond their intended purpose.
SPACE ARITA exchange program, Saga University, Arita, Japan
October 2024 > February 2025
Exhibited:
Currently at Arita Campus, Saga University
Otsu-2441-1 Ono, Arita, Saga 844-0012, Japan
18-26th of October DDW 2025
HOW&WOW Crafts Council Nederland
De Fabriek, Baarsstraat 38, 5615 RG Eindhoven
October 2024 > February 2025
Exhibited:
Currently at Arita Campus, Saga University
Otsu-2441-1 Ono, Arita, Saga 844-0012, Japan
18-26th of October DDW 2025
HOW&WOW Crafts Council Nederland
De Fabriek, Baarsstraat 38, 5615 RG Eindhoven