LONDON.- Japan House London presents its third exhibition SUBTLE: Delicate or Infinitesimal, the ultimate exploration of Japanese minimalism and the delicate art of paper.

Following hugely successful shows at Japan House’s international sister locations in Los Angeles and São Paulo, SUBTLE intends to reawaken our sense to the limitless possibilities of what can be done with fine paper. On view from 13 November – 24 December 2018, the exhibition presents works designed and crafted from among 15 creators living and working in Japan from diverse disciplines across art, animation, architecture, fashion, graphic design and literature. These unique creations explore this fascination with paper, highlighting the individual choices of material and the diversity of textures, colours, techniques and applications specific to their creative practice.

The exhibition originates from the 47th Takeo Paper Show, Japan’s only paper industry show, which has been held since 1965. It is known for working with top creators to take up the challenge of bringing out new potential from paper. Many of the innovative creations on display serve to highlight this delicate craft in a modern and contemporary light.

Curated and directed by HARA Kenya, Chief Creative Director for the global Japan House project, the SUBTLE exhibition explores the influence of Japanese minimalism, inviting visitors to observe each innovative artwork up close and in minute detail.

Divided into four parts, the works featured in SUBTLE represent the creative diversity behind this iconic Japanese craft.

• SUBTLE | CREATION: A showcase of the concept of SUBTLE as interpreted by objects designed and produced from among 15 multi-disciplinary creators working in Japan.

• SUBTLE | COLLECTION: A collection featuring examples of products that invite visitors to recall their own experiences related to the material on show, such as paper lace, envelopes, and Japanese objects, such as uchiwa paddle shaped fans. These items reflect the historic and cultural significance of paper craft.

• SUBTLE | PORTRAIT is a selection of photography from UEDA Yoshihiko who, through his work translates the Japanese passion for paper through the play between light and the subtle textures and folds in the material.

• SUBTLE on PRODUCTS: A presentation showcasing the continuous role technological development plays in paper innovation and setting trends within the design sector in Japan and globally.

Commenting on SUBTLE curator HARA Kenya: “The first UK exhibition of its kind devoted to the delicacy, resilience and importance of paper as a creative medium, my intention with the SUBTLE exhibition is to rethink and broaden the possibilities for fine paper. On show are some highly creative applications for paper that push the boundaries of the medium and demonstrate the very subtle effect that these objects have on the viewer. By bringing these objects so close to the visitor, the white space not only evokes the minimalism of paper but provides a quiet space in which to look closely at its often overlooked and subtle qualities”.