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1 The Washi Futurism exhibition at Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam, photography by Aad Hoogendoorn

2 Impressions of the book launch and opening event, photography by Aad Hoogendoorn

3 The Washi Futurism publication

4 Kozo trees (Japanese Mulberry tree)

5 Fiber preparation

6 Ideation session hosted with the artisans in Japan 

03. Washi Futurism



The Washi Futurism collective is formed by design duos Craft Portrait (Pauline Agustoni and Satomi Minoshima) and Cream on Chrome (Jonas Althaus and Martina Huynh).

Building up on The Washi Exploratory, Washi Futurism is the second phase of the project.

During two months of research in Misumi, Japan, the group learned from and collaborated with papermakers So Kubota and Masaru Nishita. Dedicated to the production of Sekishu Washi, these artisans craft a handmade paper renowned for its exceptional strength, flexibility, and warm texture. Deeply rooted in local history, Sekishu Washi also presents numerous opportunities for innovative applications. Moreover, its production follows a sustainable process that respects both the environment and local communities, making this craft a unique technique with immense potential for design and architecture.

Tailored for the museum Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam, Washi Futurism takes over two rows at Gallery 3. At the exhibition space, an interactive installation and a hybrid publication place the material at the center of attention. In the first row, speculative videos explore the future(s) of this traditional craft, emphasizing its untapped potential. Interactive stations invite visitors to engage with the material firsthand. In the second row, a paper installation is activated by a light show, letting the material speak for itself. The publication bridges the sensory experience of paper with the digital realm by offering access to immersive 360º videos. Artisan testimonials share insights into their learning process and their deep connection to the craft.

By rethinking the mediation of a very traditional craft in a future-oriented way, Washi Futurism explodes preconceived notions about Sekishu Washi papermaking and shows the craft for what it truly is: revolutionary.


2023-2024

Collaboration with designers Satomi Minoshima and Cream on Chrome

Collaboration with papermakers So Kubota and Masaru Nishita


Exhibitions

2024 Washi Futurism, Nieuwe Instituut, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

2023 Washi Futurism, Sekio Hall, Hamada, Japan


Book launches

2024 Book launch, Shibaura House, Tokyo, Japan

2024 Book launch, Rauch & König, in collboration with Carta Pura, Munich, Germany


Supported by Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie, CBK Rotterdam, the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in Japan and Sakae Stünzi Foundation (Embassy of Switzerland in Japan)