keiji takeuchi explores walking sticks and canes at milan triennale

walking sticks & canes by Keiji Takeuchi at milan triennale

Milan-based Japanese designer Keiji Takeuchi presents walking sticks & canes, an exhibition of 18 international designers in the Quadreria space at Triennale Milano during Milan Design Week 2024. As the title suggests it, the curator takes on the world of walking aids to unpack their history and relatively broad definition, which underwent unique evolutions in different eras. To do so, Takeuchi invites eighteen designers from around the globe to showcase a a variety of examples that question what walking sticks and canes represent in our lives.

These walking aids are ‘a universal yet understated subject with limitless exploration potential. By conducting this research exhibition, we showcase 18 examples by designers I admire, aiming to share their thoughts on this subject and broaden our general awareness of this essential tool,’ he says.

installation view of walking sticks & cane at Triennale Milano | image © DSL Studio

For walking sticks & canes, Keiji Takeuchi (see more here) invited the following participants to present at the exhibition: Alban Le Henry, Alberto Meda, Anker Bak, Cecilie Manz, Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm, Henri Frachon, Hugo Passos, Jasper Morrison, Julie Richoz, Julien Renault, Jun Yasumoto, Keiji Takeuchi, Maddalena Casadei, Marialaura Irvine, Michel Charlot, Pierre Charpin, Ville Kokkonen, Wataru Kumano.  Together, the designers displayed an incredibly versatile and whimsical series of walking aids, lined up against the backdrop of Quadreria space at Triennale Milano.

CESTINO by Hugo Passos | image © Julien Renault

Reflecting on the theme, the curator speculates on the origins of the very first cane, guessing it was shaped on the spot by trimming a small branch. From there, its primitive qualities must have evolved ‘in step with social changes and cultural developments, naturally taking on different purposes and meanings. At some point, it became a symbol of power and authority or religious status and later an icon of fashion and wealth. Today, it is commonly associated with older adults, who tend to be viewed with pity.’ Yet, the curator argues that many ingeniously express their personalities and stories through canes, turning them into sources of joy and pride instead of weakness. Some even turn their canes into self-caricatures, while others customize them to fit their needs or search diligently for the perfect match.

This exhibition is supported by the Japanese furniture company Karimoku Furniture Inc. , and is open daily between April 16-21, 2024, from 11am to 9pm at the Milan Triennale.

image © DSL Studio