The Paper Log: Shell and Core — An Issey Miyake project in collaboration with Ensamble Studio
21_21 Design Sight
Starts 8/13
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An exploratory project that finds new value in the Paper Log, a compressed roll of pleated paper — the byproduct of ISSEY MIYAKE's original garment pleating technology. Conceived by Satoshi Kondo of MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO, this project was developed by the ISSEY MIYAKE project team in collaboration with the Spanish architecture office Ensamble Studio.
Inspired by the Paper Log's circular marbling resembling growth rings of a tree, both parties handled the material with process-driven approaches. The work series Shell by Ensamble Studio features "objects of memory" sculpted from sheets peeled from the Paper Log. In contrast, the work series Core by the ISSEY MIYAKE team consists of furniture prototypes that explore the Log's materiality by means such as soaking it in wax and painting it with glue.
Following its debut in Milan this April, this exhibition presents these works in a dialogue between Shell and Core, accompanied by a documentary introducing their making processes. For this first presentation in Japan, this site-specific exhibition features the dialogue with new pedestals in a rearranged layout that brings the works closer, elevating their respective qualities while suggesting a new and vivid relationship between the two.
Inspired by the Paper Log's circular marbling resembling growth rings of a tree, both parties handled the material with process-driven approaches. The work series Shell by Ensamble Studio features "objects of memory" sculpted from sheets peeled from the Paper Log. In contrast, the work series Core by the ISSEY MIYAKE team consists of furniture prototypes that explore the Log's materiality by means such as soaking it in wax and painting it with glue.
Following its debut in Milan this April, this exhibition presents these works in a dialogue between Shell and Core, accompanied by a documentary introducing their making processes. For this first presentation in Japan, this site-specific exhibition features the dialogue with new pedestals in a rearranged layout that brings the works closer, elevating their respective qualities while suggesting a new and vivid relationship between the two.
Schedule | Aug 13 (Thu) 2026-Sep 13 (Sun) 2026 Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Free | ||||
| Website | https://www.2121designsight.jp/en/gallery3/the_paper_log/ | ||||
| Venue | 21_21 Design Sight http://www.2121designsight.jp/en/ | ||||
| Location | Midtown Garden, Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 | ||||
| Access | 5 minute walk from Roppongi Station on the Toei Oedo or Hibiya line, 5 minute walk from exit 1 at Nogizaka Station on the Chiyoda line. | ||||
| Phone | 03-3475-2121 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it  |
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