Korakot Aromdee: Tie the Knot

by Doug Black

Thai artist Korakot Aromdee is a product of his surroundings. His art pairs one of his home town's most abundant resources with the time-honored Asian art of kite-flying. In creating his large scale sculptures and hanging lighting, he employs the "tie and knot" technique from kite construction, which he learned from his grandfather. He uses only bamboo, and specifically bamboo that is aged more that three years and properly smoked to ensure strength and pliability. He chose the material due to its renewable nature and the fact that it contributes back to his community. He also supports them by employing teams of up to 30 locals to build the actual artwork.

The exhibition is striking in its intricate detailing and grand proportions. "Tie the Knot" includes both sculptures and lighting pieces and will be shown at Establishment from 18 May to 15 June 2008, which coincides with the International Contemporary Furniture Fair.

"Tie the Knot"
18 May - 15 June 2008
Establishment
30 Gansevoort Street
New York, NY 10014 maps
tel. +1 212 242 6565

Yoskay Yamamoto: The Upside of Down

by Doug Black

The Upside of Down marks the first solo show for both Japanese artist Yoskay Yamamoto as well as the Los Angeles space, project:gallery. The concept behind the exhibition rises from an internal conflict with Yoskay's alter-ego "Inskay" ("In" meaning "dark" in Japanese, whereas "Yo" means "light"). The show consists of a series of acrylic paintings on wood and paper, all related to the struggle between dark and light. The resulting imagery adopts traditional Japanese technique and incorporates American pop culture illustration. The show is currently open and runs through 24 May 2008.

The Upside of Down
project:gallery
8545 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232 map
tel. +1 310 558 0200

FA Designs

by Phuong-Cac Nguyen

Despite their slick metal gleam, São Paulo designer Fernando Akasaka tends to look to nature when he's dreaming up his contemporary furniture pieces for his line FA Designs. "My inspiration comes from the everyday life...the past, present and sometimes imagining what may be seen in the future," he says. It explains the techy feel of his lamps, stools, side tables and decorative objects, which also come in versions of Brazilian natural wood.

Though he taps modern technology to help realize the designs, Akasaka is adamant about maintaining the classic art of handicraft. The pieces are fluid and smooth, lending a Zen-like sensibility, something a machine couldn't duplicate.

Customers come to FA Designs for the metal objects made from highly polished or chrome-plated stainless steel, brass or aluminum. A collection of fiberglass and carbon fiber pieces will follow soon and Akasaka's already started a preliminary launch of some unusual jewelry, plus a limited-edition line that builds on the concept of the metal pieces.

Contact Firma Casa in São Paulo or Via Manzoni in Rio de Janeiro to order FA Designs.

MoMA Design Store: Destination Japan

by Letizia Rossi

MoMA Design Store recently launched Destination Japan, an exclusive product collection of housewares, accessories and design objects usually available only Japan. Available for a limited time, it features a range of items—from those created by well-known Japanese designers to pop accessories and well-designed everyday items. The mascot for the the collection "Mochi" (pictured above) is a homage to the Japanese fascination with kawaii (cute) and was designed in collaboration with Japanese design studio Devilrobots and Kidrobot. We've picked out our favorites here.

The Ramen Spoon/Fork" ($12) designed by Masami Takahashi was originally created for use at the popular Sugakiya ramen noodle restaurant chain in Japan. Created as an ecological alternative to wooden chopsticks, this stainless steel version of the classic spork has a deeper spoon for increased functionality.

Splash Dipping Bowls ($40) from designer Akimasa Yamada are a functional interpretation of the classic motif. The design also creates an ideal groove to rest chopsticks—or maybe even your spork.

Crystal Cloud ($100), designed in 1979 by Yumiko Yoshimoto, is a cloud-shaped glass sculpture that replicates the precipitation cycle by forming water drops, becoming cloudy based on temperature. Each Crystal Cloud sculpture is mouth blown from borosilicate glass and shaped by hand.

The Hands-Free Umbrella ($50) made by Ryo Masaki has a flexible rubber handle that can be molded around your shoulder freeing your hands to carry other things. The heart-patterned umbrella is available exclusively from MoMA.

Transparent Post-Its

by Jacob Resneck

The creators of the ubiquitous Post-it Note have improved this disposable yet indispensable piece of office stationery by introducing transparency. Sheer Colors, as 3M's calling them, are a boon for anyone who has ever used Post-its as a book placeholder. They're also good for anal bibliophiles who don't care to mar pages with notes or highlighting.

via Bem Legaus!