KURAMATA, SHIRO (Japanese, 1934-1991)

Shiro Kuramata was the finest and most influential designer in modern Japanese history. A true poet of creative vacancy, he introduced abstract and minimalist elements to western Bauhaus Modernism and integrated this with his oriental cultural perspective. His de-materialized designs are in a state of surreal and perpetual suspension, yet they are sensually present. What he enjoyed about his favourite material, perspex, was its ambiguity: cold as glass yet warm as wood. He cast roses in perspex so that they would flower eternally. His furniture crafted in metal seems almost to be floating; it emanates sensory imaginative power through its lightness, texture and shape.
An example of the enormous acclaim Kuramata received both at home and abroad is the distinguished Ordre des Arts et des Lettres he was awarded by the French government in 1990. During his creative life Kuramata produced more than 180 furniture forms. Kuramata ranks amongst the most desirable of artists/designers of the 20th century.