Cover A pizzeria diorama made from various stationeries at Small Muji Exhibition
A pizzeria diorama made from various stationeries at Small Muji Exhibition
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Plaza Singapura hosts the Small Muji exhibition, showcasing miniature photographer Tatsuya Tanaka’s delightful universe constructed from everyday objects produced by the brand
A pizzeria constructed from staple strips and post-it notes, tiered rice paddies made of digital calculators, and an ice cream cart that’s a make-up palette are amongst the delightful dioramas created by Japanese photographer and mitate artist Tatsuya Tanaka that can be viewed in person at the Small Muji exhibition at Muji Plaza Singapura.
Mitate-e is a sub-genre of Japanese painting, or ukiyo-e, which refers to artworks that employ allusions, puns or parodies of more well-known or recognisable scenes, therefore offering their audience a different, often humorous fresh perspective.
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Above Photographer and mitate artist Tatsuya Tanaka
Photographer and mitate artist Tatsuya Tanaka
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Tanaka, who had grown up collecting Gundam figurines and made a career in marketing, started using everyday objects to construct miniature scenes of everyday life and photographing them in 2011 and has since amassed 3.8 million followers on Instagram alone. The photographs of his miniature universe have been featured in publications and products all over the world.
Katsushi Onishi, then working as the global marketing director of Muji, took note of Tanaka's use of Muji products and approached him for an exhibition in 2017. Two years later, the Small Muji exhibition, which features Tanaka's diorama constructed with Muji products, debuted at the opening of Muji store in Finland.
The Small Muji exhibition at Muji Plaza Singapura features 16 original miniature works made using Muji products and three made-for-Singapore, never-before-seen works featuring iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. The preview of one of the dioramas can be seen on Tanaka’s Instagram account.
“When considering ideas for my creations, I aim to find motifs in the shapes of objects that are commonplace and familiar to all,” says Tanaka of his Small Muji exhibition in Singapore. “In this regard, Muji products harmonise well with my artwork. I’m also excited to unveil new pieces tailored for Singapore using everyday Muji products, and for you to explore the country’s cityscape from an unusual perspective.”
Above A tiered rice paddies made with digital calculators
A tiered rice paddies made with digital calculators
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Singapore is the third country, after Japan and Finland, to host the Small Muji exhibition. The exhibition is a significant event under the Open Muji programme. Onishi, now the managing director of Muji Singapore, says: “Open Muji is a space dedicated to art appreciation, collaborating with designers and creators to present exhibitions and workshops. We are thrilled to host Tatsuya Tanaka's debut exhibition in Singapore, allowing everyone to experience everyday items in a new and imaginative way. This marks a milestone moment for Open Muji.”
Above A beach scene made with bathroom accessories
A beach scene made with bathroom accessories
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Running from April 26 to June 25. 2024, the Small Muji exhibition invites visitors to delve into a tapestry of life imbued with creativity, whimsy, and humour through the lens of Muji products, an epitome of simplicity stripped of excess.
Showcasing the transformative power of everyday objects and celebrating Tatsuya Tanaka’s universally adored artistry and vision, the Small Muji exhibition is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and admirers of Japanese culture alike.
Above An ice cream cart that's actually a make-up palette
Above Footprint on snow or a notebook?
An ice cream cart that's actually a make-up palette
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Credits
Photography: Courtesy of Tatsuya Tanaka and Muji
Jakarta-born, Bandung-raised and Singapore-based, Asih Jenie trained in Visual Communication Design at Bandung Institute of Technology and Architecture at Parahyangan Catholic University. She brings both rigour and heart to design journalism, infused with a distinct Southeast Asian voice.
As a child, she doodled on the edges of her schoolbooks and never outgrew her fascination with all things well-made and well-told. Her 15-year career spans editorial roles and bylines in Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Australia, across spatial design titles such as Dwell Asia, Cubes, Design Anthology, Habitus Living, and Home & Decor.
After a brief stint in public relations, she returned to publishing in 2023 to lead Tatler Homes Singapore, where she continues to tell stories about how we shape the spaces that shape us.
