torafu architects realize jiro takamatsu: mysteries exhibition design

torafu architects set the scene for jiro takamatsu: mysteries exhibition
image © the estate of jiro takamatsu, courtesy of yumiko chiba associates
all photos by daici ano

in designing the scenography for the jiro takamatsu (1936-1998) retrospective at the national museum of modern art in tokyo, torafu architects wanted to a realize a lofty exhibition space which invited visitors to wander through his legacy.

curated by kenjiro hosaka, mika kuraya and tomohiro masuda, who oversaw the early, middle and latter chapters of the japanese artist’s life, torafu architects has laid out a stage for ‘mysteries’ which presents takamatsu’s stylistically heterogeneous body of work in a way that brings forth the disruptive, while at the same time, playful nature of his interventions — with surrealism being a notable influence of his throughout.

visitors are welcomed to the exhibition with a ‘shadow laboratory’
image © the estate of jiro takamatsu, courtesy of yumiko chiba associates

the exhibition opens with a ‘shadow laboratory’ which is set as a long and narrow interactive installation which highlights the middle part of his artistic practice. this area includes overlapping shadows cast by various sources of light, such as the silhouette of a spinning chair, shown through various themes.

the shadow works were produced during the middle period of jiro takamatsu’s career
image © the estate of jiro takamatsu, courtesy of yumiko chiba associates

image © the estate of jiro takamatsu, courtesy of yumiko chiba associates

through this hall, visitors are lead into the main exhibition space which is defined by six columns of varying girth. these volumes are set in place to give an architectural atmosphere to the gallery, while downplaying their presence as structural elements. interspersed throughout these main vertical supports, torafu architects have installed five pseudo-pillars of the same breadth in their spacing, which are used as displays for the exhibition. these various sized volumes assist in defining each thematic section of ‘mysteries’, which is achieved through their placement screening off adjacent areas.

six main columns architecturally define the gallery space
image © the estate of jiro takamatsu, courtesy of yumiko chiba associates

the final element of the exhibition design is a ‘stage’ that is sited at the centre of the space. this platform is characterized by wooden accents reminiscent of takamatsu’s studio, that offers a vantage point from which the works on show can be seen from a different perspective. along the inside of the stage’s vertical barrier, quotes by the artist can found, which remind one of the diverse themes he addressed throughout his creative practice. this stage is meant to serve as a resting area where visitors are welcome to browse through illustrated books, while sitting on cushions that feature reproductions of his sketches that are from the latter part of his career. the dimensions of this architectural element mirror the dimensions of takamatsu’s studio, where he actively worked.

the ‘stage’ measures the same dimensions of jiro takamatsu’s studio where he actively worked
image © the estate of jiro takamatsu, courtesy of yumiko chiba associates

‘mysteries’ presents approximately 200 works of jiro takamatsu, which are displayed in a way that allows visitors to experience his philosophical world, while trying to solve the elusiveness that is expressed in his art.

the ‘stage’ offers a place in which visitors can rest
image © the estate of jiro takamatsu, courtesy of yumiko chiba associates

general view of the exhibition
image © the estate of jiro takamatsu, courtesy of yumiko chiba associates

the stage is cordoned off by a low-bearing wall
image © the estate of jiro takamatsu, courtesy of yumiko chiba associates

image © the estate of jiro takamatsu, courtesy of yumiko chiba associates

jiro takamatsu: mysteries exhibition at the national museum of modern art in tokyo
image © the estate of jiro takamatsu, courtesy of yumiko chiba associates

image © the estate of jiro takamatsu, courtesy of yumiko chiba associates