The Superlative
Artistry of Japan

PROJECT INFO: Traveling Exhibition sponsored by The Japan Foundation and the Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C.
PROJECT SCOPE: Primary designer for all exhibition-related assets and print materials
PROJECT DURATION: May 17 to July 12, 2023 (3 months)
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DESCRIPTION:
"Superlative Artistry" refers to a creative skill or ability of the highest quality or degree. This traveling exhibition showcased Japan's creative culture that honors craftsmanship and devotion towards intricate creations. This traveling exhibition, inspired by Japan's "monozukuri" culture (literally translated to "the making of things"), included over 30 works starting with craft works from the Meiji era (1868 - 1921). Additional featured pieces include contemporary arts & crafts, intricately made food samples, and "shokugan" (small limited edition toys sold with candy).

As the JICC's solo designer on this project, I made print and digital assets that aligned with this exhibition's already pre-existing Design Guidelines. After receiving a digital catalog, press kit, and leaflet from the Japan Foundation, I re-imagined JICC's custom assets for this exhibition so that their style remained cohesive with the original 2017 iteration of this traveling exhibition. Extensive branding and copyright guidelines were provided by the Japan Foundation. I also helped to photograph and film a catalog comprised of Part I of the exhibition collection for a guest lecture from Dr. Sol Jung, the Shirley Z. Assistant Curator of Japanese Art at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art, titled "The Artistry of Kōgei: Fine Arts and Crafts in the Meiji Era."
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ADDITIONAL TASKS: Financials, art direction, photography, publicity & press, newsletter design, press kit assets, social media strategy, copywriting/copy editing, exhibition installation support, event coordination (in a team of 6: Atsushi Iwai, Marina Pate, Sarah Morris, Peter Bond, Aki Regan)
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ASSETS MADE: 1/8" thick PVC panels for exhibition (40x40"; 30x30"), opaque adhesive-backed vinyl decal cut backwards for window display (48x30"), flyers, Instagram posts and stories, Customized JICC Exhibition Catalog and Tour Guide to match supplementary print materials supplied by the Japan Foundation, photographs of art works, short video showing articulated art pieces in movement
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TOOLKIT: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom, Clip Studio Paint