[Title] pink
[Artist] Kengo Kitō
[Date] July 22 – September 14, 2004
From 2004 Fall/Winter ladies’ prêt-a-porter, Jean-Paul Gaultier has taken over as Hermès’ prêt-a-porter designer. This window expresses Hermès as it goes under change from the era of Martin Margiela. Compared to before, one may be struck an impression of brilliance and futurism.
The artist in charge was Kitō Kengo, who is known for impressionable, colorful installations. This is emblematic in the fluorescent pink chandelier made out of 100m acrylic chain in the front left window. The pink light from the revolving lamp also serves as a room lamp to lure people in. Kitō named this piece “the happy prince” after the fairy tale written by Oscar Wilde. The walls are structured with 3,300 stainless pieces cut in triangular shape. In the parts that protrude, stainless wheels roll round and round, reproducing carriage wheels that transport customers. The carriage is also depicted on Hermès’ logo, La Calèche. The mountain of mirrors in the front represents an iceberg taken from C.D. Friedrich’s painting, “Sea of Ice” (1823-24）, transformed into 3D. Kitō has named this piece “Marsyas.” This is the name of a satyr from Greek mythology, who lost to Apollo in a musical instrument contest and was flayed alive. In the mountain of mirrors, one can see not only the products displayed, but also the cityscape and pedestrians reflected from various different angles.
In addition to the 2004 Fall/Winter ladies’ prêt-a-porter, there are on display various new products such as cyclamen-colored leather goods and tableware. Expressing “Colours and Fantasy,” the window represents Hermès as it continues to evolve, even while guarding its tradition.
Kengo Kitō
Artist born in 1977 in Nagoya. Having studied at Nagoya University of Fine Arts and Music, Kitō specialized in painting in the graduate school of Kyoto City University of Arts. Kitō has been widely active in media and photography, as well as installations.