Contemporary Asia to the World: Three Asian Countries in Superdesign Show 2018, Milan

Founded by a valued figure in the Italian design scene, Gisella Borioli, Superdesign Show had been one of the main reasons why Milan Design Week became the world’s most awaited design event. Divided into several zones, the city of Milan celebrates aesthetics and innovation through mind-blowing exhibitions of renowned and emerging designers.

In the creative district of Tortona is a large warehouse-styled space where Superdesign Show has been held annually since 2000. Superstudio Più works with selected brands, collectives and designers to display their finest concepts during the fair. This edition's manifesto, ONLY THE BEST, highlights the stronger curating standard applied, and Asia is honoured to present fresh designs from three of its countries from 17-22 April 2018.

1. Indonesia

Indonesian Contemporary Art and Design (ICAD) marks Indonesia’s first participation in Superdesign Show. An annual event in Jakarta since 2009, ICAD collaborates with different artists all around the archipelago to show the public what Indonesian art and design today really are – inspired by the local to present contemporary ideas that are meant to fit the global market.

For Milan, adapting to ICAD’s theme for this year, “Kisah” (Tale) director Diana Nazir adopted the title Java Blues, aiming to deliver tales depicted in Javanese culture through their respected colour. Designers, artists and brands Harry Purwanto, ICK, Kenzo, Ucup Baik, Tulola, Jenggala and SURU are part of the show.

As an example, Ucup Baik portrays Little Cosmos, the ancient belief that every person born in Java would possess four different personalities within their soul and that it is then up to the “Pancha” or the heart to balance them. Outside of the utopic compass however, surrounds the reality; present-day conflicts which are carved in detail. Other products include Indigo Batik, banana leaf-inspired spoons, flower-patterned gold jewelleries and more.

2. Kuwait

Hamad Sultan is a Kuwaiti architect and designer who lives between Rome and Kuwait. A Master's graduate in Architecture and Urban Design from Harvard University, Hamad has had years of experiences under renowned architecture firms including OMA led by Rem Koolhas. He is currently a consulting advisor to the Minister of The Public Authority for Housing Welfare in Kuwait. As a designer, his aim is to suggest solutions to urban living, believing in the idea that design is more than just the act of creating.

In Superdesign Show, Hamad proposes a minimal yet smart cabinet, drawer and shelf concept that allows personal customization of form, depth, and space depending on the needs of each user. Well-thought out, the design includes a patented interlocking system that lets users stack these solid wooden forms in both horizontal and vertical orientations depending on the objects stored or displayed. The idea of assembling and dissembling adds a playful aspect to homes and offices. “Just stack and slide.”

3. Japan

Japan’s strong presence in the international design scene is revealed by exhibitors NENDO, YOY, KAWAI, Homage to Kuramata, Yokohama Makers Village, Japan Design Week, and more. As visitors reach the main entrance, a big black box awaits with NENDO’s Forms of Movement. For this special project, NENDO collaborated with Japanese manufacturers such as Blanc Bijou, Daikin Industries, INAC, Miro Technology, Takeo, Wakazono, X’s and YKK to present 10 concepts that revolve around the idea of movement.

NENDO’s designs project futuristic yet minimalistic qualities and correspond to everyday needs. Objects include jewellery cases, zippers, paper flashlights, flexible materials, lids, tiles, pots, tables, sandglasses and screen decoration.

Next, enchanting music echoes as visitors enter the main hall of Superdesign Show. Crystal Rain light and sound installation features inside a dark room, a crystal clear grand piano by KAWAI, decorated with droplets of illuminations by light artist Takahiro Matsuo (LUCENT). A concept inspired by movements of water that commemorates KAWAI’s 90 years anniversary.

For more information, visit www.superdesignshow.com.