Monty Adkins and Pip Dickens (University of Huddersfield Press, 2012)
This is about the interaction of two contemporary artists, one visual and the other working in sound, with the Japanese aesthetic of shibusa - particularly as found in katagami, stencils traditionally used for kimono design. Because of my own longstanding work with Japanese textile patterns I wanted to understand the philosophy behind them.
Shibusa has 7 elements:
simplicity - expressing the essence of design elements, to create calm in the viewer; a spare elegance but with sparkle
implicitness - the surface hints at an invisible core or depth of feeling
modesty - a high level of understated craftsmanship
tranquillity
naturalness - spontaneous, intuitive
everydayness - joy in ordinary things
imperfection - e.g. asymmetry, rough surfaces
Overall shibusa objects balance simplicity and complexity, and have a certain 'feel' to them.
(Not to be confused with the better known wabi sabi aesthetic which is more severe and supports the exaggeration of imperfections.)
I found myself resonating with most of these; perhaps my earlier work with cardboard has helped me grow into them. I wonder if they might provide a more conscious framework for what I'm doing now.
This website has interesting examples on it of contemporary Japanese design
http://www.studiokotokoto.com/
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