Mingei is a term coined by the Japanese philosopher and critic Yanagi Sotetsu (1889-1961). It means ‘the art of the people’, ascribing cultural value and aesthetic purity to traditional craft objects, cerebrating unnamed makers and a simple way of life. The exhibition design thought to revaluate the principles still relevant to contemporary design, craft, and manufacturing practices today.
Sustainability is the key to this exhibition design. Existing display cases and fittings from previous shows are reused and repurposed. The cases made from timber and steel are wrapped in hessian and lined with clay mixed with sand, straw and natural mineral pigments, transforming its appearance into a highly textured, soft and organic form. After the show is over the cases are returned to the original state, and clay will be reused for other purpose.
The exhibition is divided into different thematic sections, and subtle colour difference in the clay signifies the curatorial narratives. Soft and chalky backdrop echoes with the displayed objects, highlighting and elevating their beauty. Rough cut surface of the wooden text stands cracks as it dried duration of the show, a reminder of the natural material responding to the climate and adding another layer of texture to the hand-crafted exhibition installation.
