Yu Watanabe
MATERIAL FUTURES
Central Saint Martins UAL
Specialisms: Art Direction Lighting
Location: London, United Kingdom
Yu Watanabe
First Name: Yu
Last Name: Watanabe
Specialisms: Art Direction / Lighting
Sectors:
My Location: London, United Kingdom
University / College: Central Saint Martins UAL
Course / Program Title: MATERIAL FUTURES
About
After graduating from the Department of Graphic Design at Tama Art University, I worked as an Art Director at an advertising agency.
Through various projects, I became interested in the relationship between creativity and social issues such as environmental problems and climate change.
I consequently enrolled in the MA Material Futures at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, UK in 2021.
My research focuses on how design can function to address increasingly complex social issues through colliding different perspectives, materials, technology and science. While utilising the ability to communicate effectively through advertising, I have been exploring how design can function in various aspects, not only in graphics, but also through materials, products and other areas.
I contribute to people, culture, nature and the earth by discovering the value of things from both a future perspective and a problem-solving mindset, and by appropriately converting and communicating these solutions to society and the world.
Urushi lacquer is a sustainable and beautifully glossy natural Japanese sap harvested from the trees in a respectful way. Unfortunately, the traditional craft of Urushi is in decline due to the emergence of alternative materials. This project aims to revitalise this craft and create a space that connects us with nature. Unlike the West, where people remove shadows from their space, the Japanese embrace shadows aesthetically as a part of beauty. Urushi can reflect even the smallest light beautifully. Through the arrangement of tree-like shapes, the play of light and shadows allows viewers to immerse themselves in a microcosmic space reminiscent of nature.
Competitions
