Book x AR? - Join Swiss and Japanese creators on a journey through the beauty of Japanese traditional craft, exploring the intricate artistry of Sekishu Washi, the skill of its artisans, and the rich culture embedded in local materials—all brought to life in the book Washi Futurism.
Washi Futurism celebrates the hand-crafted paper “Sekishu Washi” from Misumi Town in Shimane Prefecture, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and exceptional craftsmanship of this traditional art form. This book is the result of a collaborative effort between two design duos: Craft Portrait (Satomi Minoshima and Pauline Agustoni) and Cream on Chrome (Martina Huynh and Jonas Althaus). Based in Europe, these designers from Swiss and Japanese backgrounds brought their unique perspectives to the project. The book was realized with the support of the papermaking workshops Sekishu Washi Kubota and Nishita Washi Kobo in Misumi Town, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan.
Based on field research conducted in Misumi Town in the summer of 2023, Washi Futurism delves into the history, current landscape, and future potential of Sekishu Washi, presenting the characteristics of washi and the artisans’ philosophies in an experimental format that incorporates digital content (AR).
More information here
Book Launch Event
On December 7, Craft Portrait will be joined by Sekishu Washi artisan Masaru Nishita to discuss the production process and the unique appeal of washi, reflecting on their fieldwork experience in Misumi.
Date: Saturday December 7, 2024
Time: Doors open at 17:30, book presentation begins at 18:00, followed by drinks at 19:00
Venue: Shibaura House, 3 Chome-15-4 Shibaura, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0023
Registration: free of charge, via the following link
Supported by: The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan, Sakae Stünzi Foundation (The Embassy of Switzerland in Japan)
Craft Portrait
Craft Portrait is the joint project of designers Satomi Minoshima (JP) and Pauline Agustoni (CH). The series of projects is dedicated to unveiling contemporary crafts and rethinking the narratives surrounding them. Based in Eindhoven and Berlin, the designers work directly with artisans of a given craft in order to understand a topic “from the inside out” to draw a thorough portrait of the craft. Check their instagram
Cream on Chrome
Cream on Chrome is a socially-engaged experience design studio, founded by Jonas Althaus (DE) and Martina Huynh (CH). Working for academic and cultural institutions, the Rotterdam-based duo designs multimedia exhibitions and interactive spaces that bring social questions closer to a general public. As artists in residence, Cream on Chrome visited Sekishu Washi artisans in Misumi in 2019 and formed a lasting collaboration. Check out their web page