# Washi Paper-Inspired Lighting The Shining a Light Exhibit Spotlights Gabriel Tan & Gen Taniguchi By Kalin Ned | Published 2025-05-31 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shining-a-light References: [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ4nWddMb1A/)  The 'Shining A Light' exhibition represents a compelling fusion of [traditional Japanese craftsmanship](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanmade-vol1) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bosco-armchair) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fungbedford). 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 ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 43% | Freshness: 42% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Japanese Lighting Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yamagiwa.md) - [Ultra-Chic Sculptural Lighting Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-lighting-design.md) - [Traditional Paper Lighting Collection](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taiwan-lantern.md) - [Structural Washi Paper Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/akari-lamp.md) - [Ceramic Paper Lighting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amica-collection.md) - [Experimental Ancestral Lighting Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kawabi.md) - [Seasonal Interactive Fashion Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/washi-paper.md) - [Sun-Lit Kite-Inspired Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cygnet-light.md) - [Utensil Waste Lighting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nytt-lys.md)