Miss Nelson (Art and Textiles Teacher)

Students from Years 10 and Lower Sixth came along to the textile studios on Wednesday lunchtime to listen to the views of Professor Kashiwagi (design historian and critic) on what he felt were the pioneering technologies, art and designs of Japan in the 21st century.

The students were given the opportunity to look back into the fascinating history of Japan through ceramics, fashion, transportation devices and robotics. Highlights were his views on the SONY Walkman and the fashion designs of Issey Miyake. There was also a short discussion with Josephine Rout, curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

An interesting point that resonated with everyone was how Japanese design has become even more conscious about environmental problems like global warming and pollution. It was interesting to hear how the problems Japan faces with a large population and limited space to live, is an influencing factor on modern Japanese design. The mention of ‘wabi-sabi’ - the acceptance of imperfection, was also an. Interesting discussion point; an interesting design concept that the textile and DT design students who attended the talk considered in relation to their own design process. We agreed that often the best designs come from our mistakes!