Talk: Kenya Hara's Exclusive Lecture
Kenya Hara Delivers Talk on Emptiness and Design at UCLA Broad Art Center
Renowned Japanese designer Kenya Hara, the art director of Muji, recently delivered a thought-provoking talk at the UCLA Broad Art Center. Hara's discussions often explore the beauty and potential within simplicity, minimalism, and the intentional spaces that invite engagement, creativity, and a deeper sensory experience.
During the talk, Hara likely delved into the concept of "emptiness" (Ma in Japanese aesthetics) – the intentional space or pause that adds value and meaning in art and design. He might have connected this philosophy with contemporary issues in design, such as sustainability, mindfulness, and user interaction.
Hara showcased examples from his work at Muji and personal projects that exemplify this principle. Some of his previous exhibitions include Haptic-Awakening the Senses (2004), Tokyo Fiber-Senseware (2007, 2009), Japan Car (2008, 2009), and Designing Design: Kenya Hara in China 2011. Hara is also a prolific writer, with books like Designing Design and White being lauded as required reading for design students.
The event, presented by Los Angeles website in collaboration with UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture, Department of Design Media Arts, Department of Architecture & Urban Design, and Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies, took place at the Los Angeles website's gallery. Over 300 students, professors, and guests attended the event, and photos by Tyler Yin were taken during the occasion.
Hara's work for the Takeo Paper Show: SUBTLE, on display at Los Angeles, led him to write that paper's contribution to human history lies in how it has stimulated and inspired the creation of culture. The exhibition's theme, as indicated by Hara, indicates the aspect of our senses, which, led by paper, becomes subtly and elaborately sharpened.
After the talk, students formed a long line to speak with Hara. The exhibition runs from April 13th to May 23rd, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Hara's philosophy and explore the beauty in simplicity.
For those interested in more detailed information about future exhibitions or Hara’s upcoming talks, checking the UCLA Broad Art Center’s event listings and Muji’s official channels might be useful. Additionally, exhibitions such as "Designing Design" and Muji installations demonstrate Hara’s vision of simplicity in everyday products. Museum collaborations, like the 21_21 Design Sight in Tokyo, frequently showcase exhibitions aligned with his ideas on design, emptiness, and sensory experience.
- The talk by renowned designer Kenya Hara at the UCLA Broad Art Center also discussed the relationship between his design philosophy and contemporary lifestyle, particularly in the realm of home-and-garden décor.
- The upcoming exhibition at the UCLA Broad Art Center, running from April 13th to May 23rd, showcases artwork from various disciplines, including architecture, art, and design, all of which reflect Hara's emphasis on simplicity and emptiness.
- The connection between design, culture, and art was further explored during the talk, focusing on how empty spaces can add value and meaning in both traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern design.
- Besides the UCLA Broad Art Center, various art galleries, such as 21_21 Design Sight in Tokyo, serve as platforms for contemporary exhibitions that align with Hara's ideas on design, emptiness, and sensory experience, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of these concepts.
