195 japanese thinking etc etc

Somewhere between having a drunk feast at Kura the other night (BEST soft shell crab) and shower time thinking tonight I have had one tangent of thoughts after another. Most may realise that Japan is the country of contrasts; an easy visual example is comparing the conservative politely dressed nation with their Harajuku/out of this world pop culture which screams for attention. I never quite made the bridge between how different their architectural image is to their high fashion though. Going through my Architecture degree, I came to really appreciate Japanese architecture and design, it is a true visual of their polite and forever humble nation. Minimalistic, white, clean geometries which in their limitations show just how beautiful appreciating simple spaces can be.


1. Ishigami's Kanagawa Institute of Technology

In the realms of fashon, in the past recent while I've come to discover lots of designers which, really couldn't reflect differently on this description. Experimental and loud, the thing I find most curious about my favourites are how much fun can be seen through the garment, for both wearer and creator. The whole design process just seems like an absolute joy. Which has gotta be the start of something. (The burger ring has Made My Day).




1. Tsumori Chisato SS2011 / 2. Q Pot burger ring set / 3. Comme des Garcons homepage

184 auckland art gallery

New things that have now suddenly appeared over the two months I was away continue to surprise me (i.e. everything for RWC including a shiny new McDonald's downtown!?). Last weekend I went to see what all the fuss was about Auckland's newly refurbished Art Gallery. To be honest, I had no expectations;... so with that in mind I went, and it was truly amazing. Like, there should be fuss made about it amazing.

The new Auckland Art Gallery includes its $121 million restoration which has meant flourishment into a beautiful old meets new agenda, allowing Auckland to show off something that could now in fact compare to world class galleries. The new architecture is respectful of it's history and surroundings (Albert Park), inspiring organic tree like canopies which now form the main entrance. Internally, parts of the old 1887 original has been restored and seamlessly integrated into the modern parts of the complex. The modern spaces seem relaxed and roomy with a sense of direction; with one lol-worthy shout out to the particularly MoMA-esque (in face it's less esque and pretty much the same) open atrium space, which is hovered over by Korean artist Choi Jeong Hwa's Neo-Pop inflatable flowers.










A large amount of space is of course dedicated to NZ art, modern and indigenous works including Gordon Walters and amazing Maori portraits by Goldie, as well as the opening celebrating two months of hosting the Julian and Josie Robertson Promised Gift which brings out the big names - Dali, Picasso, Mondrian, Matisse to name a few (no photos, poos). Howie and I spent a good amount of time angling our confusion in Luc Peire's mirrored striped box.







Our visit was cut short by closing time, however we spent a good two hours in there and got our money's worth of free entry for sure. It's open late at the moment, till 10pm which was cool firstly because lit up things were of great impact, and also there was quite a peaceful non crowd of people, which equalled a cute scenario of about ten people at the end of the night sitting on the steps listening to the trio playing interesting whale-like but harmonious music. I highly recommend you go there!