*More information about the Artists
Tatazumai Exhibition
Date: JUNE 23 (Thurs) – 26 (Sun), 2016
Open Hours: MON-SAT 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
SUN 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Store Number: (212) 447-1690
Location: MUJI Fifth Avenue Flagship Store – 475 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017
Items are available for sale only at MUJI Fifth Avenue Store
Tatazumai Exhibition – Opening Reception
Date: JUNE 23 (Thurs), 2016
Time 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Brief remarks from the artist Ryuji Mitani taking place at 7:00PM
Location: MUJI Fifth Avenue Flagship Store – 475 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017
On the Occasion of the Tatazumai Exhibition
MUJI’s creation of things began with the concept of radically eliminating waste, and embraced “choice of materials”, “inspiration of work progress” and “simplification of packaging” as a means of achieving this. The appeal and function inherent in the object itself is highlighted, with how to use and enjoy it being left up to the consumer; this idea has come to have a lot of support today.
In the process, what we are constantly aware of is designing things that can be used for years to come, rather than creating designs that are ahead of the times. We pursue the rational satisfaction that comes from being able to confidently say “this will do”, rather than assuming a strong sense of individuality and saying “this is good”. We’ve continued to think about what constitutes a “congenial lifestyle” for each era from what could be termed an OS perspective – the fundamentals and the universality of life. There are many designers and creators working behind the scenes who, while opening numerous dialogues with consumers, work with MUJI to face the challenges that sometimes arise.
On this occasion, we are pleased to have six Japanese craft artisans holding the Tatazumai Exhibition at MUJ Fifth Avenue Flagship Store. This is a very big challenge for MUJI, who has for so long valued anonymity and not named names; but could also be seen as inevitable. This is because we believe that both the things that these artists create and the words that they weave yield a “congenial lifestyle.”
“Being there for people’. “A gentle beauty”. “Small solicitudes”. “Simplicity”. “Imperfection”. “Ordinary”.
The Tatazumai of the objects created by these artisans, who put their heart and soul into life, living with care and with an appreciation of time, is brimming with the strength and serenity that dwells in daily life.
“Simplicity does not feel highly inferior; within this simplicity lies as world to be proud of, one of intelligence and sensitivity, and if we transmit this sense of values to the world, we can realize an aesthetic sense and a rich life with fewer resources”.
These are the words of one of MUJI’s founders, Mr. TANAKA Ikko, words that we hold dear. Through this exhibition, we hope many of you will come to feel a closer affinity to the richness that shadows life.
We are very grateful to the artists that have supported this exhibition.