A graphic design exhibition entitled “Spirit & Nature Graphic Design exhibition” (精神與自然──佐藤晃一平面設計展) by Japanese artist Koichi Sato (佐藤晃) featuring about 76 artworks at the Old Courthouse in Nam Van is being held until December 31. The exhibition is jointly hosted by Macau Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) and Macau Designers Association (澳門設計師協會).
According to a statement from one of the exhibition boards, Sato (1944-2016) graduated from the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music (aka Tokyo University of the Arts) in 1969. His collection of works is displayed globally in places such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York; Gallery of Applied Arts in Munich; National Library of France; The Museum of Modern Art in Toyama (富山縣美術館). The statement added that he is a member of Japan Graphic Designers Association Inc. (JAGDA); Alliance Graphique Internationale; Japan Design Committee; Tokyo Art Directors Club (ADC); Tokyo Type Directors Club (TDC); and a professor at Tama Art University.
The statement mentioned that Sato’s design career can be divided into two halves between Japanese-style colour gradations and freeform expressions. The works exhibited in the space “tend” to have the quality of “childlike innocence” supported by professional techniques. The statement added that between the two contrasting features, viewers can perceive Sato’s sensibility, which is “playful” and “naughty”.
According to a statement from the exhibition board titled Illustrations in Ogasawara Style, Japanese graphic design is “arguably world-class” due to three factors: The booming economic development after WWII; Japan’s advanced printing technology and the traditional Japanese culture. The statement added that with the influence of the European industrial revolution, design movements in post-war Japan began to embrace Bauhaus concepts.
A statement from another exhibition board titled Behind the Graphics points out that throughout the 1970s, Sato experienced changes in his life. He felt the need to rediscover what the folk-style and psychedelic-expressions or pop art limitations meant to him.
The gallery is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. including public holidays. It is located at 459 Avenida da Praia Grande. Admission is free.
As part of the local government’s COVID-19 prevention measures, visitors need to wear a facemask, have their temperature checked and present a digital health code when entering the gallery.
For enquiries, call 8988 4000 or visit https://www.icm.gov.mo/en/News/detail/19949.
Photos: Ula Cheang
