The 'Shining A Light' exhibition represents a compelling fusion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary design sensibilities. The event brings together Porto-based Singaporean designer Gabriel Tan's minimalist aesthetic with seventh-generation washi paper artisan Gen Taniguchi's specialized techniques.
Presented within Lisbon's Molteni&C flagship store during Design Week, the Shining A Light installation creates a thoughtful dialogue between the angular modern furniture of the Italian brand and the organic, translucent qualities of handcrafted paper lighting. The collaboration showcases three distinct lighting collections — the Flag, the Obelisk, and the Carnation. Each design demonstrates innovative applications of 300-year-old papermaking traditions. Particularly noteworthy is the conceptual depth of the Carnation series, which pays tribute to Portugal's peaceful revolution through symbolic rifle-shaped stems topped with delicate washi flowers.
The choice of Nao Washi's specialty papers — including marbled varieties and those embedded with grass fibers
— demonstrates a commitment to material authenticity while pushing the boundaries of how traditional craft can inform contemporary lighting design.
Image Credit: Gabriel Tan x Gen Taniguchi
What's Driving This Trend
- Cultural Fusion in Design
- Integrating traditional Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics offers a new approach to global design appreciation.
- Innovative Papermaking Applications
- Using 300-year-old papermaking techniques in modern lighting fixtures presents a unique crossover between historical art forms and current design innovation.
- Symbolic Design Narratives
- Designs that incorporate symbolic elements, like the Carnation series’ tribute to Portugal's peaceful revolution, add layers of meaning and cultural depth to products.
Who This Affects Most
- Artisanal Craftsmanship
- The resurgence of artisanal techniques highlights a growing industry emphasis on uniqueness and cultural heritage in product design.
- Sustainable Lighting
- Integrating natural materials such as paper with innovative designs reflects a shift towards more environmentally conscious lighting solutions.
- International Design Collaborations
- Bridging geographic and cultural boundaries to create innovative products fosters a more interconnected and diverse design industry landscape.
