K C A B G N I K O Y LO PH H GH UG OU RO HR TH T
P A R
G O P Y T
u b o n e Tak
by Clarance Sommerlad
i h s a r a Ig for typography2
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2 Takenobu Igarashi (born in Japan, 1944) is a keen follower of leading a simple life and is strongly opposed to consumerism and information pollution. He reflects this modernist thinking in his designs through the combination of the Swiss-style grid systems with the grids and units of Japanese architecture. “Present great designs of pure yet modern clarity,” he says (Typeroom, 2014). Igarashi acquired fame in the mid1970’s through his “axonometric alphabets” (three-dimensions without perspective).
3 Present great designs of pure yet modern clarity.
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These stunning designs are so simple in their construction yet
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6 so elaborate in appearance, requiring multiple viewings to fully appreciate.
My approach to design and sculpture has always wavered between my wish to do something useful for society, and my desire to create something beautiful with my own hands.
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In 1994, Igarashi quit his design career and moved to LA to pursue sculpting. He experimented with various materials - marble, terracotta, wood - then returned to Japan in 2004. Here he returned to
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his design activity from a new viewpoint: the artist. His approach to both design and sculpture always “wavers between [his] wish to do something useful for society, and [his] desire to create something beautiful with [his] own hands” (History of Graphic Design, n.d.). He created various sculptures and reliefs for public spaces all over Japan, and received multiple awards for his various works. Representations of these works are held in the permanent collections of over 30 museums worldwide, and he is published in Japan, China, Korea, Germany, and Switzerland. In April 2011 he became the president of Tama Art University.
there are three essential things in work: passion, challenge, and discovery. Without that, work gets boring; with that, work is enjoyable. And artwork that is enjoyable also results in success.
Igarashi has stated that there are “three essential things in work: passion, challenge, and discovery. Without that, work gets boring; with that, work is enjoyable. And artwork that is enjoyable also results in success,” (History of Graphic Design, n.d.). Takenobu Igarashi’s work is certainly enjoyable!
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