As a design enthusiast with a deep appreciation for both Eastern aesthetics and contemporary innovation, I find Kawabi’s collection at Colony Residency to be nothing short of captivating. Having spent years exploring the intersection of tradition and modernity in design, I was immediately drawn to the harmonious blend of ancient techniques and innovative approaches that Kawabi brings to their work.
Directly following their inaugural exhibition at Collectible New York in September, Kawabi has become a part of NYC’s designer collective and gallery Colony. This allows them to showcase their extraordinary washi paper lamps. The creative team Irisa Na and Aaron Kawabi, based in Brooklyn, draw from their mutual respect for Eastern spiritual traditions and shared Asian heritage in every piece they create. These lamps are reminiscent of “beacons” and “gateways,” reflecting their ethereal and evocative nature.
The designs of these four lantern-inspired pieces – such as the Souvenir lamp, floor lamp, Legume lamp, and Cascade pendant – draw inspiration from traditional East Asian handmade paper lanterns but are modernized by the designers’ background in product design. Key elements tying them together include organic shapes, handcrafted wooden frames, and sleek minimalist switches.
The Kawabi Souvenir floor lamp stands out as a striking focal point, boasting a substantial base filled with pebbles, and showcasing an extended wooden arch adorned with live-edge detailing. Atop this arch rests a shape reminiscent of a bean, serving as the shade. Unlike other designers who might conceal wiring, Kawabi integrates it into the design, running a woven cable through the center of the arch and accentuating it with a cylindrical brass component that powers the lamp on or off with a gentle tap.
Although the Legume lamp has a traditional outline, upon a closer look, you’ll notice that the shade features an asymmetrical design, giving it a unique shape from various perspectives due to its careful handcrafting. The Cascade pendant derives its main inspiration from cascade-style bonsais, symbolized by the elliptical shades positioned at varying heights and its gracefully curved wooden arms.
As gamers, when we ignited our initial spark together, we instantly felt that it was the ideal vessel for expressing a harmonious intention. That very flame grew to become the seed of our debut collection with Colony, and we’re absolutely ecstatic to see it showcased in their meticulous selection.
Check out the exhibit displayed up there, and for a personal viewing experience, you can find Colony’s location where these artworks are on display beneath this text.
Colony
196 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013
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2024-11-20 01:56