Casting Light | Exhibition Recap

Setting up Casting Light was a thrilling challenge for us, as it involved showcasing over 35 pendant lights in a minimalist yet striking arrangement. Hirotaka Tobimatsu joined us from Tokyo, personally assisting with the installation and attending the opening reception.

Hirotake Tobimatsu installing porcelain pendant lights

ethereal image of reflections of Tobimatsu hanging pendants from outside and through Nalata Nalata gallery windows

The gallery, cleared of all fixtures, allowed Tobimatsu’s pendants to shine. Organized in a perfect row along two tracks, the pendants appeared to float, their wires invisibly pinched together in the center. This innovative display highlighted the serene, milky white shades of Tobimatsu’s creations, often mistaken for paper due to their ethereal, matte finish.

Tobimatsu porcelain pendants and guests at the opening reception of Casting Light

Seeing the full range of styles and sizes in one setting was mesmerizing. The open versions provided a contrast with their brighter glow, offering a side-by-side comparison that emphasized the variety within Tobimatsu’s work.

Tobimatsu porcelain double polygon pendant light

Tobimatsu porcelain ridge drop pendant light in focus in the foreground with other Tobimatsu pendants blurry in background

Hirotaka Tobimatsu doing a speech at the opening of Casting Light exhibition at Nalata Nalata

The exhibition also traced Tobimatsu’s evolution over the past decade, which Tobimatsu spoke of during his opening night speech. From his first pendant, the Fine Line Slim, showcasing natural seam lines, to the intricately carved Accordion, and geometric designs like the Facet Triangle and Shaved Triangle, his deepening specialization in lighting was evident.

Guests looking at Tobimatsu pendants at Nalata Nalata

Tobimatsu hanging pendants illuminated in front of the Casting Light Exhibition Statement at Nalata Nalata gallery

Paul Lewis chatting with guests at Casting Light exhibition at Nalata Nalata

Fine Line Square Porcelain pendant hanging at Nalata Nalata during Casting Light exhibition

A standout piece was our exclusive collaboration, the Square Fine Line Pendant. This intricate cube, achievable only in an extra-small size to prevent distortion, exemplifies Tobimatsu’s mastery in pushing casted porcelain’s boundaries.

Ethereal image of reflections of Tobimatsu porcelain pendants against the glass window at Nalata Nalata

Hirotaka Tobimatsu and Ryotatsu Tanaka at Casting Light exhibition at Nalata Nalata

Table Lamps by Tobimatsu illuminated at Nalata Nalata

The exhibition also featured three table lamps: Abacus, Ridge Drop, and the Balloon Table Lamp. The Balloon Lamp, inspired by the hot air balloon festivals of Tobimatsu’s childhood in Saga Prefecture, captured the whimsical spirit of these events with its airy, three-piece design.

Guests viewing porcelain pendants at Nalata Nalata Casting Light exhibition

Koji and Hirotaka Tobimatsu at Casting Light exhibition at Nalata Nalata

Stevenson Aung, Miyazaki, Makoto Koizumi, Keo Aung and Angelique Chmielewski-Aung at Nalata Nalata

A highlight of the opening weekend was the surprise visit by designer Makoto Koizumi and Miyazaki-san of the esteemed Miyazaki Chair Factory. They were in town to showcase their new furniture at ICFF. This reunion was particularly special for our son, Keo, and Makoto Koizumi, marking a year since the launch of the Tonton Rocking Chair, partly inspired by Keo’s birth.

Draped Cylinder, Square Fine Line and Fine Line Slim porcelain hanging pendants

Angelique, Stevensonm Hirotake Tobimatsu and Lily Yamashita-Kenny in Extra Place alley by Nalata Nalata gallery

We owe immense gratitude to everyone who made this exhibition possible, including Lily Yamashita-Kenny, Yukari Niikaru, Studio Newwork, Chris Noel Stone, and Soto Sake. Special thanks to Sujin Lee, Albert Lee, and Daniel Erikson for capturing a selection of the stunning images that document this memorable event.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow Tobimatsu Toki’s innovative and illuminating creations into the future. In the meantime, feel free to browse the entire collection here.