Installation view - Ueno Fukutoshi
Ueno Fukutoshi brings traditional elements of Japanese culture to a contemporary design context creating artefacts that explore simplicity, practicality and multi-purpose functionality. His most well-known work, Dress-Code, a collaboration with fashion designer Akira Isogowa won the biennial Clarence Prize for Excellence in Furniture Design in 2008. Inspired by the sensual world of the Geisha, Akira Isogawa's floating kimono patterns are layered on the underside of Ueno's clear acrylic grid of clean-cut lines of CODE; the matrix of contemporary architecture. Together, Ueno and Akira have striven to redefine existing definitions of what is art and what is function? The Dress-Code range not only delights the eye but also excites the imagination, as function and decoration work in unison. This now iconic collection has received numerous accolades including being a finalist in the 'Product of the Year 2009' competition by Home Beautiful Magazine.
BIO
Ueno’s practice has extended into public art projects including designing new street furniture for Brisbane’s CBD. His works have been presented in Australia at Art Gallery of New South Wales, The Workshopped Exhibition and State Library of Queensland and at major international exhibitions including 100% Design Tokyo and 100% Design London. In 2010, Ueno’s Dress Code Premier Line was purchased by National Gallery of Australia for their permanent design collection. His new works have been selected for the upcoming London Design Festival.
