Shiro and Shiro

Nalata Nalata is pleased to announce Shiro and Shiro, a forthcoming exhibition of designs by renowned architect and industrial designer Makoto Koizumi. The words shiro (白) and shiro (素) mean “white” and “basic”. Brought together in the context of design, the concept explores complex and shifting ideas about simplicity, purity, and truth.

To design with honesty is no easy task, for one must have the vision to discern the immaterial from the core. Makoto Koizumi possesses that ability to see the possibilities that lie beyond an established structure and define both what is missing and what is extraneous. With this sensitivity, he strips away all excess until only what is essential remains. His deep comprehension of how each small part exists to form the whole gives every detail equal weight in his careful hands.

With the sensitivity to see the possibilities that lie beyond an established structure and define both what is missing and what is extraneous, Koizumi-san has made his mark across a spectrum of industries. His designs have been hammered into tin, carved in hinoki wood, cast in nambu iron, and woven into cotton cloth. He at once collaborates with specialized individual craftsmen and legendary manufacturers.

Over the span of a year, Nalata Nalata has worked closely with Makoto Koizumi balancing Japanese design values with our own brand ethos to translate it into a collection of objects that would connect with lives on an everyday scale. Each piece was born from a multitude of iterations rooted in a collaboration process with talented artisans and specialized manufacturers who we have known for years and trust to share our commitment to quality. The inherent, raw beauty of wood was featured in the design of functional office tools such as a clipboard and ruler. The natural asymmetry of wood grain guided the curves of vases, plates and trays as craftsmen hand-carved the smooth forms from solid blocks of oak, beech, sakura, and chestnut. The objects in this series each hold countless layers of intimate human involvement, from design to craftsmanship

We are thrilled to be joined by Koizumi-san himself on the evening of Friday, May 17th. Pastry artist Ayako Kurokawa of Burrow will be providing refreshments inspired by the show concept. Music will be provided by Paul Lewis.  

Explore Koizumi-san’s studio here.

View a recap of the event here.