Toshiyuki Kita was in charge of an installation to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of MONDADORI, publisher of the worldwide interior magazine “INTERNI.” Called “Digital Fire,” a space was created inside the corridor of Castello Sforzesco (in the center of Milan) that, through new technology and expression of flames, makes it seem as if the Renaissance has returned.
The Triennale is famous worldwide as an art gallery for design and architecture. 20 Japanese corporations who are leaders in the realms of automobiles, home electronics, information-related equipment, daily goods, and other fields participated in an exhibition there focused mainly on products that have won the Good Design Award as well as historical famous brand goods, concept design, etc. Toshiyuki Kita, who was the Good Design Chairperson of the Jury that year, entirely produced an exhibition that conveyed the potential and appeal of Japan Design, which leads the world in terms of history and innovation. Approximately 50,000 people attended and the high quality of Japanese design drew much attention from … Read more
2006.04.04
Since 2004, Toshiyuki Kita has worked as design advisor for the Government of Singapore and has presented projects with four Singaporean companies as well as comprehensively producing exhibition spaces. In addition, “VIVO CITY,” designed by Toyo Ito, and night photographs of Singapore taken by Italian photographer Maurizio Marcato were also on display. 2006.04.04（Tue）
2006.04.04
INTERNI, which sponsors Fuori Salone, held an event consisting of an installation based on the theme of “Heavylight” lamps. Invited designers held solo exhibitions at 8 places within the city of Milan. Kita presented “Da Tempo” in the Piazza Mercanti near Duomo, located in the center of Milan. Including a 4.5 meter tall washi paper lantern and a brand new lamp, many categories were created in one space, expressing the flow of time. A great deal of people attended and talked about the opening event. 2006.04.04（Tue）-10（Mon） Loggia Del Mercanti
Macef is a daily goods trade fair that has been held in Milan for 41 years since 1964. 2006 was the first time the entire renovated new trade fair space was used, and Japan was chosen for the first time as Italy’s partner country for the main event. “Japan Exhibition/A Bridge to the Future,” produced entirely by Toshiyuki Kita, was a groundbreaking experiment to share Japan’s exceptional products as a world brand. The participating Japanese makers’ design and technology was picked up by the mass media of many countries and shows the future of Japanese products.
An exhibition to present Kita’s new cutlery series “XELA” was held at Gallery le bain in Nishi-Azabu, Tokyo. Over 200 people visited the opening party and were intrigued by the cutlery displayed like jewels.
2005.04.12
Toshiyuki Kita released his new chair “TOK” from STOKKE, a company in Norway (Northern Europe) that makes wooden furniture. Special features are the warmth of the wood and its organic form. The chair also includes a rocking function and, together with the ottoman, supports a variety of postures. 2005.04.12（Tue）～18（Mon）
Kita, as an invited designer, presented his bench “SPRING” as part of the INTERNI-sponsored event that took place during the duration of the Salone in the city of Milan. The concept of this work is a brief rest beneath a shady tree, and the mirror finish of the frame was consciously designed to reflect the greenery of the park and blend smoothly into it. Many attendees enjoyed sitting on the bench for a few moments and watching the displayed images of cherry blossoms that evoke the work’s title.
A comprehensive solo exhibition held in Amsterdam that included the traditional Japanese craft pieces that are Kita’s life work. Local designers also attended related events, including an opening session.
2004.11.05
A solo exhibition held in Kyoto at a closed down school building. Kita displayed the traditional Japanese crafts that are his life work as well as pieces involving the latest technology, including a robot for home use and LCD televisions. Local designers also attended related events, including an opening session. 2004.11.5（Fri）～11.30（Tue）
Kita presented his new home theater space that incorporates LCD TV, “Spazio Aquos.” This space contains his new TV and “THEATER SOFA,” his new work from Japan.
Kita presented a marble bathroom space from the Italian maker BIGELLI. The bathtub and all other systems are all made of marble and their size can be adjusted as desired. The surrounding mini garden, where the owner can enjoy planting plants and flowers, is visible from the bathtub.
A tea ceremony that took place in the city of Milan and employed Kita’s “CEREMONY SPACE.”
A solo exhibition that took place in Midosuji, Osaka, centered on traditional Japanese crafts such as Arita-yaki, urushi (lacquer), washi paper, and tin.
100 years after Gaudí was born, this event was held at FAD, which plays a central role in the fields of design, architecture, art, etc. in Spain. Kita held an exhibition of his works, mainly popular and new works that incorporate natural materials and technology.
Ambiente, the world’s largest household and daily goods trade fair, is held in Frankfurt, Germany. Toshiyuki Kita was invited to hold a solo exhibition at Ambiente 2003, and he displayed 40 types of new Arita-yaki pieces that definitely conveyed the appeal of Arita-yaki to the European market.
An exhibition on the theme of Arita-yaki that was held at the Matsuya Ginza Design Gallery. Based on the concept of resurrecting Arita-yaki, which flourished in the 17th Century, this work was first shown in Japan prior to its exhibition at the Milano Salone. Kita’s presentation of new types of dishes that ignore whether cuisine comes from the East or West was widely talked about.
The popular Japan Booth produced by Toshiyuki Kita was an exhibition based on the concept of taking Japan’s traditional crafts and bringing them back into modern life. The traditional, high-quality artistry of washi paper, urushi (lacquer), and porcelain is known worldwide and drew a significant response from the attendees.
An event held at the Louvre based on the idea of lifestyles of the next era. Kita’s new works “AQUOS” and “TATAMO” were displayed alongside pieces including Ferraris, drawing a great deal of attention.
The courtyard of a building from the 14th Century was used as the venue for this exhibition. A large screen hung from the ceiling displayed CG images and greeted viewers, creating a space that left a big impression. The flat panel television installed on Kita’s new work, a glass television stand, seemed as if it was floating in the air.
A solo exhibition held in the lobby and gallery of the Four Seasons Hotel in Singapore. Traditional crafts based on washi paper and high technology design represented by “AQUOS” were displayed.
A solo exhibition held as part of Design Week in Paris. The “newness” of the exhibited furniture, LCD televisions, and images drew much attention and over 500 people attended the opening.
A solo exhibition that took place at the site of a demolished cement factory and displayed Kita’s most famous traditional craft pieces including “CEREMONY SPACE,” washi paper, urushi (lacquer), etc. Both the lecture held at the opening and the display space itself were received very positively.
An exhibition that used all of the 5,000 square meter venue and featured a wide variety of Kita’s works, from his well-known pieces to his new works. This comprehensive exhibition of furniture, televisions, daily use articles, traditional crafts, etc. provided an overall, comprehensive view of Kita’s activities and pieces and was the largest solo exhibition at that year’s Milano Salone.
A solo exhibition, based on the themes of nature and technology, that was held at the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg. A size 28 LCD television was placed in a space created solely from natural materials. After the exhibition, “AQUOS C1” was selected for the museum’s permanent collection.
A solo exhibition held at a lifestyle shop in Brescia, Italy. Several hundred people attended the opening, including members of the press. The washi paper lamps that had just been presented in Europe and the size 28 LCD television were especially popular.
A solo exhibition held at the Four Seasons Hotel in the Ubud region of central Bali. Included works consisted mainly of washi paper. This exhibition proved to be a chance for many people, including local artists and tourists, to encounter Kita’s work. The lamps are permanently displayed in the stairwell.
An installation based on the themes of nature and technology that took place at the Triennale’s INTERNI event. A LCD television, which can be considered the symbol of cutting edge technology, was placed within natural materials that incorporated washi paper and urushi lacquer, and images of nature were shown on the screen. Period: April 11 (Tuesday) – April 16 (Sunday) Venue: TRIENNALE DI MILANO / Milan
