Fujiwo ishimoto biography

Marimekko designer Fujiwo Ishimoto returns to his roots in Ehime

Dogo, Ehime Pref. –

When I arrive at the flagship store of Mustakivi in Dogo, Ehime Prefecture, I’m greeted silently by 82-year-old Ehime-born designer Fujiwo Ishimoto. He unlocks the back door to his adjoining atelier and motions for me to come in. We pass through the kiln room and enter a studio filled with ceramic pieces in various stages of completion.

Fans of Finnish brand Marimekko are likely familiar with the colorful, nature-inspired designs of Ishimoto. He created some 400 patterns and designs over his 32-year career with the company founded by Armi Ratia (1912-79), one of Finland’s most famous designers and entrepreneurs. But it was the work of another Marimekko artist that first caught Ishimoto’s attention years before he arrived in the country.

Fujiwo Ishimoto Japanese Born Textile & Ceramic Designer

A Visionary in Textiles and Ceramics

Fujiwo Ishimoto, a Japanese designer born in 1941, has left an indelible mark on textile and ceramic design. His ability to blend the simplicity of Japanese aesthetics with the bold patterns and vibrant colors of Finnish design reflects a deep understanding of cross-cultural artistry. His journey from Tokyo to Finland and his contributions to Marimekko and the Arabia Art Department highlight a fascinating interplay of tradition and innovation in the decorative arts.

Early Inspirations: Maija Isola and the Marimekko Connection

Ishimoto’s career took a decisive turn when he encountered the works of Finnish textile designer Maija Isola in Tokyo during the 1960s. Her innovative use of patterns and colours inspired Ishimoto, leading him to move to Finland to work with Marimekko. This pivotal move began a remarkable fusion between Japanese minimalism and Finnish modernism, allowing Ishimoto to develop his distinctive style.

The Ujo Towel Collection: A Functional Beauty

While

KEIDAI ART MUSEUM KEIDAI ART MUSEUM

Fujiwo Ishimoto Ceramic Art Exhibition ‘Shape of Fruits’

Date
2018.05.12 - 2018.07.01
Artist
Fujiwo Ishimoto
category
TextileDesignKogei

Dazaifu Tenmangu is pleased to announce the special exhibition ‘Dazaifu/Finland- sign of summer’ to take place at two venues in Dazaifu Tenmangu, one is Fujiwo Ishimoto’s exhibition at Dazaifu Tenmangu Museum and the other is Nao Tsuda’s exhibition at Bunshokan, a traditional Japanese wooden building, built in 1901, celebrating 1000th death anniversary of Michizane, which is a private space. Both artists have a great deal of relationship with Finland.

The theme of these two exhibitions is ‘beginning of summer’. Ishimoto utilizes ceramics whereas Tsuda’s consists of several landscape photographs. We hope that you can enjoy the feel of beginning of summer through the exhibitions as well as various forms of nature in the precinct.
Irises in the iris pond righ

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