Chairs are among the most ubiquitous objects in our lives. Their forms seek a rational functionality in design, yet embody an almost sculptural and autonomous elegance. Chairs crafted in the last century by prominent architects and designers are timeless masterpieces that have continued to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike in recent years.
This exhibition features one of the greatest furniture designers of 20th-century Denmark, Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980). Mid-century Scandinavian furniture is often characterized by warm wood tones. The works of Kjærholm in comparison stand out due to his preference for combining hard materials such as stone and metal, a choice that was unusual in his time. However, the rigid profiles never give off a cold impression; instead, they evoke a subtle tension in the space. Kjærholm’s timeless clean lines and minimalist beauty resonate with Japanese architecture, garnering continued support among Japanese enthusiasts.
The exhibition will showcase a collection primarily curated from the extensive research and chair collection of Professor Noritsugu Oda (Honorary Professor at Tokai University). It will be the first of its kind in Japan to exhibit Kjærholm’s most influential works. With the cooperation of Higashikawa Town in Hokkaido, home to the Oda Collection, it will introduce approximately 50 pieces of furniture and related documents. Kjærholm’s design philosophy and refined aesthetics of the furniture will be presented meticulously in an exhibition space designed by spirited architect, Tsuyoshi Tane (ATTA).
Dates
June 29th (Sat) - Sep. 16th (Mon), 2024
Venue
Panasonic Shiodome Museum of Art
4th Floor, Panasonic Tokyo Shiodome Bldg, 1-5-1 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Hours
10:00 am - 6:00 pm (Open until 8:00 pm on Fridays of July 5, August 2, September 6, 13 and 14)
Admittance until 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed
Wednesdays (Except for September 11) and during August 13-16
Admission
Adults: ¥1,200
Organizers
Panasonic Shiodome Museum of Art, The Tokyo Shimbun
Support
Royal Danish Embassy, Minato City Board of Education
Special cooperation
Higashikawa Town in Hokkaido, Oda Collection Organization, Asahikawa Furniture Industry Cooperative
Grant
Union Foundation For Ergodesign Culture
Academic support
Noritsugu Oda (Honorary Professor at Tokai University)
Exhibition design
Tsuyoshi Tane (ATTA)
Cooperation
FRITZ HANSEN, Panasonic Housing Solutions Co., Ltd.