studio wieki somers base mitate lighting on travels in japan

studio wieki somers’ mitate lighting based on travels in japan
‘rei’ sheilds lamp
image © fabrice gousset, courtesy galerie kreo

the ‘mitate’ lighting collection by studio wieki somers (dylan van den berg & wieki somers) is anchored in the aesthetics of japanese form, in which their designs are born from the various experiences and travels; the studio took through japan between 2011-2012, in which they visited local craftsmen in their workshops, collecting images and materials. named after the ‘mitate’ principal, a cornerstone of ikebana art in japanese culture, the lamps stand as totems of the seven principles of the bushido samurai code of honor from which they are each named: ‘gi’, the right decision; ‘yuu’, bravery; ‘jin’, compassion; ‘rei’, the right action; ‘makoto’, truth; ‘meiyo’, honor; ‘chuugi’, devotion.

‘gi’ cord lamp
image © fabrice gousset, courtesy galerie kreo

wieki somers writes, ‘we wanted to create a contemporary equivalent of sixteenth-century samurai flags translated into ‘light poles’ – a family of lamps.” other inspirations for the mitate collection include the fabric used by geishas to protect the light color of their skin from the harshness of the sun (‘chuugi, black hole lamp); the stone gardens re-enacting for the pleasure of the eyes the intensity of the world (gi, cord lamp); the traditional doll who seems to be juggling with her hats (rei, shields lamp).’

‘makoto’ reflection
image © fabrice gousset, courtesy galerie kreo

the lighting objects are made from a selection of carefully chosen materials, whether reflective or mirroring, absorbing or transulcent, creating a distinct lighting style. these are then supported by one of two bases: the first resembling a traditional ‘tokonoma’ altar; and the other made from polyester concerte, with sliced edges that reveal the texture of the stone.

‘mitate’ is on show at galerie kreo in paris until september 21, 2013.

‘meiyo’ mesh lamp
image © fabrice gousset, courtesy galerie kreo