As Japan recovered from World War II, changes in economy and society accelerated. Mass-produced goods and mass-consumerism quickly became a norm.
Yoshio Akioka (1920-97), was a multi-talented artist of the time, whose influential work covers illustration, painting, industrial design and woodcraft. During the 1960s, he became a successful industrial designer, but he questioned the culture of mass consumption and chose to focus on artisan pieces, designing objects for everyday use.
Akioka's works and projects on display, give an insight into his perspective on our relationship with products and reveal some of his development process. His paintings, wooden dishes, chairs and toys are charming and approachable and yet inspire viewers to consider how well-crafted items can enrich our lives; till Dec. 25.
Meguro Museum of Art, Tokyo; (03) 3714-0063; 2-4-36 Meguro, Meguro-ku; 10-min walk from Meguro Station, JR Yamanote, Tokyu-Meguro, Nanboku and Mita lines. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥900. Closed Mon. www.mmat.jp.
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