Kenmochi's Modernism

When I was young (naks!) I loved watching "Japan Video Topics" on IBC 13, I think. They were usually short videos about Japanese culture, from Tea ceremonies to Takitombos (hehehe). So sometimes when even basic cable channels don't suffice for my channel surfing I tune into the International TV stations like TV5 Monde (French); Rai Italia (Italian)--I forget the Spanish and German--for similar themed programs (Documentaries that promote culture).

Anyways, I was about to sleep last, last night when I chanced upon this program on NHK. It was about Isamu Kenmochi a world renowned Japanese Industrial Designer.

Kenmochi (Right)

It talked about Kenmochi's design sensibility that ushered in the movement called "Japanese Modern". Again, I love watching shows talking about the lives of artists and their sensibilities--I can't help but feel a connection with them just because I'm also, in a way, one of them.

He's famous rattan chairs are displayed in MoMA and numerous postwar Japanese hotels bear his signature style.

But what touched me the most is that during his lifetime, he was mostly misunderstood in Japan. Modernism--a movement not only in literature but in the Arts as well was for the most part anti-establishment, so I guess it was understandable. Kenmochi believed that beauty lies with function--he's argument was that objects in nature like flowers, don't "SEEK" to be beautiful they are beautiful just because they are. A very "modern" notion I must say surely he was a head of his time-- he died tragically by committing suicide.

I'll always have a soft spot for Artists who are misunderstood.