SThree K.K. office design that GARDE was responsible for and completed in 2022.
SThree is a global recruitment firm from London specializing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields.
The space was completed based on the concept of fusion of the advanced STEM image with the client’s roots in Western and traditional Japanese design.
Click here to read more about SThree office design.
GARDE continues to enter design awards every year with the aim of spreading the excellence of its space and design even after the design of the property is completed.
Below is an overview of the awards received this year.
MUSE Design Awards 2024
Citation: MUSE Design Awards 2024
About the Award
The MUSE Design Awards established in 2015 to honor creative and design professionals, judged by a panel of approximately 40 judges from around the world
The organizers, International Awards Associate (IAA), are deeply committed to advancing the industry through the discovery and recognition of new and existing talent.
Winning Overview
Title of the Prize：GOLD
Category：Interior Design – Office
The IPAX Asia Pacific Property Awards 2024
Citation: International Property Awards
About the Award
The International Property awards were established to recognize the highest level of achievement by companies operating in all areas of the real estate and property industry. The awards are held in nine regions, including the UK, Asia Pacific, Africa, and Europe, and are judged by a team of experienced professionals covering all real estate sectors.
Winning Overview
Title of the Prize：Winner
Category：Office Interior
The latest award information is available in the GARDE Newsletter.
The newsletter also includes information about completed projects that GARDE is responsible for, trends in various countries, design and art related topics, and a wide range of other information.
Please register here to join our newsletter.
A case where a purchase price increased 800 times to 1.6 billion yen. Modern art, a key element in spatial planning, is soaring in price.
At GARDE, modern art is frequently used as an element of spatial planning in the residences, hotels, and luxury retail projects we manage. The prices of this modern art are currently skyrocketing.
Recent news reports that some works from the “Fukuoka Asian Art Museum” have seen a significant increase in value, with some pieces now valued at 1.6 billion yen, 800 times their original purchase price. Many other works that have not been exhibited have also increased in value, leading to a situation where these works could potentially become new highlights for exhibitions. However, due to a lack of exhibition space, they cannot be publicly displayed. As a solution, online exhibitions are being considered. In this scenario, using virtual reality goggles in a metaverse museum may offer a more immersive viewing experience than viewing on a monitor.
Source: COCOWARP https://www.cocowarp.com/
There are several reasons for this price surge. Traditionally, about 10% of wealthy individuals’ asset portfolios are held long-term in art. Now, inflation, yen depreciation, and the entry of new wealthy buyers are occurring simultaneously. Additionally, the evolution of technology, such as the advent of NFTs for art, has lowered the barriers to entry, making it safer to purchase art, leading to expectations of continued growth in this market.
Even in domestic transactions, the variety of sales channels, such as Mercari, has increased the circulation of art. There are cases where postcards, which were sold for around 1,000 yen at exhibitions, have increased in value to over 30,000 yen after the artist’s death.
However, rather than expecting investment value from the start, why not step into the world of modern art as an emotional asset that you can cherish for a long time? For those who have never purchased art before, I recommend starting with a piece that “somehow attracts you,” regardless of price, for your home or workplace interior.
We are pleased to announce the exhibition “Atomic Love – Transience of Life -” by artist Issho Watanabe, which will be held from Sunday, August 18, 2024, to Friday, August 30, 2024. This exhibition showcases works that allow us to rediscover the preciousness and gratitude of everyday life. Nearly 80 years after the war, as narrators of war experiences become rare, this exhibition is structured to help us recognize anew the irreplaceable nature of ordinary life by considering the reality of war in peaceful Reiwa-era Japan. We encourage you to focus on the message of the artist, who, as a young person living in today’s peaceful Japan, practices what can be done to “not repeat mistakes.”
Through objects that are ephemeral and fleeting, Watanabe’s works make us realize the value of a peaceful environment. Is it ignorant or sometimes disrespectful for Watanabe, who belongs to the generation of “children of the children who do not know war,” to speak about war? Despite changes in the international situation, Watanabe’s perspective, which continues to take war seriously as a current issue in a peaceful and orderly Japan, offers many insights, including the genuine reality felt by his generation.
For Watanabe, the reality of war means that the irreplaceable, ordinary happiness of everyday life can disappear in an instant. This is not limited to war; natural disasters, conflicts, and epidemics constantly threaten our peaceful order. Disasters can transform the humanistic achievements that humanity has built over time into shapeless, irretrievable losses in an instant.
The exhibited work “Le baiser (The Kiss)” is a symbolic piece that captures a moment of everyday happiness. Using Rodin’s sculpture as a motif, it conveys the dual process of the blissful moment between a man and a woman, as well as the sculpture representing that moment, being lost due to disaster.
《Le Baiser》Iron, Copper and Resin Size : 30x33x49 cm ,Year : 2024, Price : 215,000 JPY
《The Children’s Peace Monument》 Iron, Copper and Resin Size : 17x35x53 cm ,Year : 2024, Price : 85,000 JPY
Watanabe believes that songs filled with love, which estrange our ordinary daily lives and allow us to prominently re-recognize moments full of meaning, are invaluable. Music enriches people, and songs that use human affection as their motif are among the highest forms of art. What made Watanabe realize the irreplaceable nature of everyday life was not a grand and solemn symphony but a single chanson. This work symbolizes the eternal, irreplaceable moments of life, embodied by the life and songs of the chanson singer Édith Piaf.
Many of us lose our minds to busyness and tend to neglect our daily lives. Watanabe strongly feels that a calm everyday life is the greatest happiness and, for example, time spent watching a mother and child is a supreme joy. This sentiment is captured in his work “Madonna.”
His art pieces revive the traditional Japanese blue-green color (aoiro) through patina, evoking even the aesthetics of wabi-sabi. The motifs and essence of his sculptures, based on drawing, originate from Western art, while the expressive techniques related to wabi-sabi derive from Japanese culture. Watanabe also boldly challenges the fusion of Eastern and Western civilizations as a new form of artistic expression.
《Édith Piaf 》 Iron, Copper and Resin Size : 10x14x37 cm ,Year : 2024, Price : 155,000 JPY
《Madonna》 Iron, Copper and Resin Size : 20x27x48 cm ,Year : 2024, Price : 135,000 JPY
The title of this exhibition eloquently conveys the artist’s profound message. Our bodies, composed of atoms subject to beta decay, are ephemeral and fleeting. Watanabe hopes that we do not become assimilated into the quotidian reality of conflicts that can reduce beloved individuals and precious cultural treasures to ashes in an instant, like atomic bombs. Instead, he urges us to recognize our existence at the atomic level, to love one another, and to cherish our beautiful daily lives. Admission to this exhibition is free, so if you are in the area, we warmly invite you to visit and experience these thought-provoking works.
《Nude –Before Mirror》 Iron, Copper and Resin
Size : 21×26×62 cm ,Year : 2024, Price : 85,000 JPY
《Nude –Nymph》 Iron, Copper and Resin Size : 30×29×30 cm ,Year : 2024, Price : 85,000 JPY
《Nude –The Heart’s Awakening》 Iron, Copper and Resin
Size : 21×26×62 cm ,Year : 2024, Price : 85,000 JPY
《Nude –Biblis》 Iron, Copper and Resin
Size : 20x54x25 cm ,Year : 2024, Price : 85,000 JPY
Issho Watanabe( 渡邊一翔 ) Profile
Born in 1988 in Kyoto City, Issho Watanabe employs a 3D pen as his medium, crafting sculptures that juxtapose fragile transience with enduring durability. Under the guidance of his father, who operated a drawing studio, he honed his artistic expression. Encounters with human malice, such as burglary and arson in his former residence, prompted him to delve deeper into the nature of humanity. These experiences led him to re-examine the essence of human existence through the depiction of the human body, a journey that he continues to pursue to this day.
Biography:
1988: Born in Kyoto City, Japan
2011: BFA in Sculpture, Kanazawa College of Art
2014: Completed Master’s program in Art Education, Department of Art Studies, Tokyo University of the Arts
2015: The Power of Drawing: Human Body Drawing Exhibition, Nagoya, Japan
2016-2019: Leader of Sculpture Seminar “Rojue Modeling
2019: Art Education Forest “Artists in the Laboratory of Art Education”, The University Art Museum, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music
2020: Research note published in Journal of Art Anatomy (Japan Society of Art Anatomy) A method of creating human skeletal models using 3D pens – from the creation of stencils for sculpture production and teaching materials.From the creation of a paper pattern
2022: Nihonbashi N11 Gallery, “Affirmation of Go” by Kenta Ichinose and Kazusho Watanabe
2023: Gallery Tei “Succeeding Lines – The beauty of the human body drawn by lines from two-dimensional to three-dimensional” (Gallery Tei) Kazumasa Watanabe (human body painting) × Kazusho Watanabe (sculpture)
Geidai Art Plaza Exhibition “Geidai Mythology – GEISHIN
2024: “The Art of Tea,” an exhibition organized by Geidai Art Plaza
Atomic Love – Transience of Life – Exhibition Outline
Date: August 18 (Sun.) to 30 (Fri.), 2024
Opening hours: 10:00 ～ 18:00
Venue: GARDE Gallery (ALLIANCE Building 4F, 5-2-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Admission: Free
The Showa era, spanning from 1926 to 1989, is often referred to as Japan’s Golden Age. This period, encompassing the entire reign of Emperor Hirohito, witnessed profound cultural and societal transformations. Showa Retro, a term reflecting the nostalgia and charm of this bygone era, has experienced a resurgence in recent years, captivating contemporary audiences. This trend highlights various aspects of Japanese life, from fashion and design to culinary arts and entertainment, offering a rich cultural tapestry that continues to inspire.
What is Showa Retro?
Showa Retro encapsulates the atmosphere and phenomena of the Showa era, characterized by a blend of simplicity and vibrancy in design. This aesthetic is evident in fashion, architecture, and everyday objects, reflecting the period’s mix of traditional and modern influences. The appeal lies in its nostalgic charm, evoking a sense of longing for a time when life was perceived as more straightforward and community focused. Historical Context and Evolution
The Showa era was a time of significant transformation for Japan. It saw the lead-up to WWII, the devastation and hardships of the war, followed by a dramatic period of economic growth and modernization in the post-war years. This period, particularly from the 1950s to the 1970s, is often the focus of the Showa Retro revival. During these years, Japan experienced a burst of technological advancement and prosperity, leading to a lifestyle marked by modern luxuries and convenience.
Despite the challenges, the era was also marked by a sense of community spirit and resilience. As Japan transitioned into the digital age, the everyday items and cultural artifacts from this time gradually faded. However, the recent resurgence in interest highlights a collective desire to reconnect with the tangible simplicity and craftsmanship of the past.
Showa Revival in Popular Culture
Over the last decade, there has been a steady growth in interest in the Showa period. What was once considered tacky（dasai) is now embraced as retro chic. This wave of nostalgia has permeated every aspect of modern culture, from fashion and media to travel. The 2005 movie “Always: Sunset on Third Street” and its sequel captured the romanticized essence of the Showa era, resonating deeply with audiences. More recently, NHK’s morning drama “Toto Nee Chan” evoked a similar sentiment, highlighting the era’s sense of possibility and drive.
Businesses Capitalizing on Showa Nostalgia
Businesses have capitalized on this nostalgic interest with Showa-themed parks and shops. In Odaiba and Shibamata, Showa 30s theme parks draw visitors eager to experience the past. Showa-styled sweet shops in Ikebukuro and Yokohama, as well as retro bars and cafes, offer authentic tastes of the era. Regional areas like Atami and Ome have benefited from promoting their Showa heritage, attracting tourists with their preserved cultural landmarks and nostalgic atmosphere.
The Contemporary Appeal of Showa Retro
The resurgence of Showa Retro can be seen as a reaction to the fast-paced, technology-driven modern world. It offers a sense of stability and familiarity, providing an escape to a time perceived as simpler and more community-oriented. Younger generations, facing economic stagnation and uncertain futures, find solace in looking back at a time of optimism and collective effort. This trend resonates with those who yearn for the tactile and tangible in an increasingly digital age.
Comparative Retrospectives: Taisho Romance and Heisei Retro
Showa Retro is part of a broader trend of exploring Japan’s past through different eras. Taisho Romance, which covers the Taisho period (1912-1926), is noted for its fusion of Western and Japanese aesthetics, reflecting a time of cultural experimentation and romanticism. The era’s desaturated color palette and intricate designs offer a nostalgic yet sophisticated charm.
Heisei Retro, on the other hand, focuses on the period from 1989 to 2019. This era saw significant technological advancements and cultural shifts. Comparavle to the widening popularity of “y2k” styles and fashion in the west, Heisei Retro celebrates the cultural trends and technological innovations that defined this time, such as Harajuku Girls, gyaru, and visual kei, providing a recent yet distinct retrospective on Japan’s rapid evolution. Together, these genres offer a rich tapestry of Japan’s cultural landscape, each with its unique flavor and significance.
Showa Retro serves as a bridge to Japan’s past, offering a nostalgic yet vibrant window into a bygone era. Its growing popularity underscores a collective yearning for the simplicity and authenticity of earlier times. By embracing the aesthetics and values of the Showa era, contemporary society can find inspiration and solace, reconnecting with a cultural heritage that continues to influence and enchant. This revival not only celebrates Japan’s rich history but also provides a meaningful counterbalance to the complexities of modern life.
What is a Rose Quartz Infused Aroma Massage Candle?
Rose quartz is a pink-colored quartz, known in Japanese as “kōsui-shō,” “kōsekiei,” or “bara-sekiei.” It is the birthstone for October, symbolizing beauty and love. In Western countries, it is often called the “love stone” and is popular as a power stone, believed to foster love and serve as a charm for romantic success.
It is also said to enhance affectionate relationships and good interpersonal connections, which can lead to improved communication in the workplace and, consequently, better career prospects. The rose quartz is ground to a fine powder and blended with organic oils and waxes. This blend can be enjoyed as an aroma candle or used as a massage oil. Wearing semi-precious stones directly on your skin and enjoying the rich fragrance and flickering flames can become an irreplaceable experience and a special ritual. Another characteristic is that, unlike general aromas that contain alcohol or water, these candles use 100% natural essential oils.
Currently, the lineup includes combinations such as rose-based essential oils with rose quartz, lavender-based essential oils with moonstone, and mandarin (citrus) based essential oils with fluorite power stones. Among these, the rose combination discussed in this article is the most popular.
The glimmer of glass, which reflects the flame in a kaleidoscope of light, and the octagram (eight-pointed star) motif of the inner lid create an enchanting interplay of light and shadow that is captivating enough to make you lose track of time.
※ The octagram, an eight-sided figure, symbolizes completeness, regeneration, and infinite cycles, and is believed to bring good fortune.
Enhancing Your Space to Create a True “Sanctuary”
The role of interior design in our daily lives is significant, whether during work or leisure. By incorporating highly aesthetic elements like the aroma candles introduced here into the inherent functionality of interior design, which enhances efficiency and provides a sense of security, a space can truly transform into a “sanctuary.”
