AutoExotic – Japanning reimagines Japanning, the British and European craft of imitating Japanese lacquer (urushi), which has historically framed Japan’s landscape through a British and European lens. Drawing on the dual perspective of a British-Japanese designer/maker, this work steps into the role of a traditionally British or European craftsperson to explore how Japanning might represent a hybrid cultural narrative of a diverse landscape. By questioning who holds the power to shape narratives within material culture, this project critically examines how to challenge and intervene in the perpetuation of inherited ideas.
A tray, a tea canister and a biscuit box was created using this alternative version of japanning.
A performance for the William Morris Gallery was commissioned for this project, accompanied by a moving image piece for the 2024 exhibition Art Without Heroes: Mingei.