Nature Imitates Art
Toshiya Hayashi identifies we+ as a design studio dedicated to giving form to new perspectives and values. In searching for alternative possibilities, we+ incorporates elements not part of the existing design mainstream. It is their way of thinking that if the mainstream of designs is the trunk of a tree, then we+ will find ways to add branches and leaves to it. For example, they do not mass-produce furniture; they work on limited editions or custom pieces to promote sales through galleries. In the case of space design, they pursue unconventional expressions in the form of installations. Recently, we+ has been focusing on research and experimentation, conducting these activities independently or collaborating with other companies. According to Hayashi, we+ is working with clients in different fields to develop innovative ways of using uncommon materials and creating concept models. They think about materials, search for them, and give them shape through daily experimentation. Therefore, experimentation is an essential keyword in describing their work, and the interview began with a presentation of their past and new projects featuring ARAKAWA GRIP at we+.
CUDDLE (2017) is an installation featuring water. The work visualizes the shimmering of the water droplets as they are collected at the bottom of an acrylic panel, reflecting the light from above. According to Ando, the structure was kept as simple as possible, utilizing ARAKAWA GRIP to attach an acrylic board at the joints so that the focus would be solely on the water. The works of we+ are often based on natural phenomena. However, rather than expressing such occurrences, they reconstruct them. Ando has been experimenting with ways to make people empathize with his work, and he hypothesizes that sharing people's authentic experiences plays a significant role in this process. For example, admiring the sunrise or glistening on the water's surface.
The idea of appreciating the beauty of a sunrise or the shimmering of water may be shared similarly around the world, transcending differences in language. It may be an instinct that has been engraved in our DNA. They intend to incorporate this kind of encounter into their work. The highly abstract or philosophical nature of we+'s work stems from their interest in such fundamental concepts. According to Hayashi, the features of fascinating natural phenomena may only be fully conveyed by presenting them as they are in front of the audience. It is a matter of what attracts us to a particular sensation and elicits its maximum intensity. To do so, we decide on the expression by organizing various variables and reinforcing them with partial use of technology. They manage different variables and use technology to strengthen them to achieve such a result.
Ando explains that the concept is easy to comprehend if you think of a bonfire. The moment when people are sitting around to enjoy conflagration can be described as a bonfire experience. As people gather to converse, they will be looking at the bonfire as they talk if it is there. This is what they call “Meoki” in Japanese which is a we+ original term describing the wa people stares vacantly. The eye rests facilitate comfortable communication and a relaxed atmosphere. Because while some communication involves constant eye contact, some do not.
Furthermore, sometimes we need an air pocket to take a break and relax when we are too busy, or our mind is full of overwhelming information. Ando explains that such a place may have a meditative effect and that natural phenomena serve well as an eye rest. Hayashi adds that it helps our senses become more neutral, not only when communicating but also when we are staring at it alone.
