[Title] The Ugly Duckling
[Artist] YAMAGUCHI Akira
[Date] January 18 – March 20, 2012
In preparing for this latest Maison Hermès window design, artist Akira Yamaguchi was asked to submit a design concept. Along with the visual ideas, Yamaguchi also prepared a page-long manuscript in support of his ideas. As might be expected from writings directly from this creator, the concept runs rich in the sharp wit for which Yamaguchi is renowned. As you savor the unique dimensions of this window space, please also take time to appreciate these words personally penned by the artist himself.
-I was first requests to design this window display along a schedule that the overlapped with my exhibition to be unveiled inside the boutique itself. While I first felt rather overwhelmed by this added undertaking, upon rethinking the proposition I came to sense the value of such a project as a stimulating new challenge.
In my view, show windows generally seen around town tend to be accommodating often to the point of coming off as tedious. They are arranged to be pleasing whether people catch a brief glimpse as they rush by or take the time to stop and gaze with greater care. As a result, predominantly seizing the mind’s eye are the images of the design, rather than the underlying ideas or purposes.
Please don’t jump to the conclusion that I find such approaches poor in any way. Rather, it is just that my own tastes run more along the lines of the small window displays found around traditional Tokyo neighborhoods such as the funky quarter of Yanaka. Here, in corners of normal homes that are not even commercial shops, for some reason windows are often found that are decorated and facing out onto the street. Nestled in such spaces are small accessories, handmade creations and other items that more often than not reflect the tastes of the dwellers. Though heartwarming, such practices can also generate spatial domains appearing somewhat forlorn and even petty in ambiance. Yet, be that as it may, there are also moments when I intuitively tune into the mindsets of the persons on the other side of these small displays.
I suppose, when considering the nature of the bustling main thoroughfare in the Ginza, that such dazzling moments of individual lucidity are somewhat superfluous. Then again, I also figure that, as long as I am undertaking this project, I want to somehow steer such an atmosphere to the forefront and attain something not so trite-looking after all. My choice of corrugated plastic sheet for this creation stems from that material’s highly finished degree as a manufactured product – and, regardless of those properties, the ability to foster a handcrafted sensation. Above all else, the sheeting itself is exquisite to the eye. This appearance, and the capacity to masterfully transmit, reflect and flicker light, is absolutely astounding for a material so low in price.
The combination of such sheets with unvarnished wood provides an optimum pairing which, in most instances, should eliminate the need for any further steps. With this being a show window, however, items will inevitably be placed on the premises. Moreover, there was also the need to respond to the instructions from Hermès to bring onboard this year’s keynote theme – “Gift of Time.” Taking that necessity to heart, I attempted covering the window display façade with this ridged plastic sheet. Viewing the results, I feel confident that, when peeking inside this window space through the openings provided here and there, viewers will be able to savor a sense of active and dynamic time in motion.
This, briefly stated, is my expression of the window concept. How the actual display measures up, however, naturally lies in the eye of the individual beholder.-
Akira Yamaguchi
Born in Tokyo in 1969, Akira Yamaguchi grew up in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture. In 1996, he completed a master’s degree at Tokyo University of the Arts, completing studies in oil painting at the Gradate School of Fine Arts. Today, he uses his exceptional painting expertise to engender fine mixes of time and space, while packing myriad scenes of events, folkways and other real and envisioned phenomena into intricately drawn aerial views of urban landscapes, battle scenes and other representative works. He likewise channels his talents into bookbinding, advertising and numerous other creative fields as well. In one notable project, last year he took charge of the illustrations for Shinran, a novel by Hiroyuki Itsuki serialized in newspaper installments. This February, Akira Yamaguchi will be presenting a one-man exhibition of his works at Maison Hermès Le Forum, in Tokyo.