In collaboration with Pierre Frey, contemporary artist Naoki Kawano presented this visionary new project

The concept for Skin Concept was based on Paul Valéry’s observation that: ‘The most profound thing about man is his skin’. Through our skin, we perceive the texture, weight, density, and temperature of matter. Touch and vision complement each other, enabling a richer understanding of the world around us.

Naoki Kawano was invited by Pierre Frey to create a special installation that would work in connection with their new line of furniture. After much experimentation, the artist explored the fusion of touch and vision, conceptualising the wallpapers, rugs, and carpets that envelop our living spaces as "skins." Inspired by patterns found in pressed aluminium foil, the work draws from Kawano's "folia" series. Individual parts with countless wrinkles resemble both continents and magnified skin, intertwining macro and micro perspectives.

The patterns are then reimagined in new mediums -fabric, wallpaper, and carpet - by the hands of Pierre Frey's artisans, transforming them into expressions distinct from the originals. The installation comprised two rooms: "Room / Chandelier" and "Room / Menhir" - where each space is filled with distinct patterns and featured new furniture displayed as sculptural objects, devoid of their functional purpose. Entering these rooms, one is immersed in patterns that stimulate not only our sight but also our touch.

Embroidery

In response to the concept proposed by the artist, Pierre Frey's design studio has chosen to celebrate him by reinterpreting his concept in an embroidered version. This hand-embroidered, artisanal look features a rich motif composed of a variety of stitches that completely cover the fabric like a second skin.

Printed Carpet 

The main challenge in designing this printed carpet was to retranscribe the materiality of Naoki's work: the folds, the paper, the superimpositions and the nuances of colour. The studio therefore decided to use digital printing to celebrate the artist's work and the richness of the textures and colours, but also to guarantee high quality thanks to the use of a highly resistant polyamide pile, specially designed for intensive traffic.

Wallpaper 

The design of the wallpaper was guided by the emotion evoked by the artist's work. No fewer than five production phases were required to recreate the poetry of the original work and the crumpled appearance of the aluminium foil backing. Combining volumes and contrasts, this wallpaper is a truly original creation.

Kawano's installation at the Milan Furniture Fair transforms his project into a gigantic artistic showcase set up in the centre of the garden of Pierre Frey's showroom in Milan. At the centre of the installation, a composition presents two major new pieces designed by Guillaume Delvigne, a chair and a sofa, which expand the LITHO line.

It’s a sight and experience to behold as the artist challenges our preconceptions by stripping familiar furniture of its functionality and presenting it as sculptural works, offering a fresh perspective on the very nature of objects. Through the fusion of touch and vision, this installation serves as a device that unveils new worlds to all of us.