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Memory Functions Welcomes New Starts + Old Memories

05.09.22 | By
Memory Functions Welcomes New Starts + Old Memories

Yuko Nishikawa’s Memory Functions represents the blank slate that comes with taking up residence in a new space, a new phase of life that builds upon existing memories. This is the Brooklyn-based Japanese designer and contemporary ceramicist’s largest solo exhibition to date, and the first of The Brooklyn Home Company’s art residency series, focused on environmental issues through a site-specific installation.

“When I visited The Butler Collection, I felt excitement arising within me,” says Nishikawa. “Making installations within a residential environment is exciting because my work is displayed in a space that will hold and witness living. I want to make work that accompanies ordinary, everyday moments.”

art installation of suspended colored disks in white room

Nishikawa invites visitors to the residential unit where the exhibition is housed to interact with over 200 whimsical mobiles. She’s made the pieces of each from recycled paper pulp that’s processed in-house, then colored so that it can be reused again for future projects. Nishikawa gets these materials from other artists and businesses around her studio in East Williamsburg.

art installation of suspended colored disks in white room

As visitors make their way through the space, each mobile moves slightly – an example of how each one of us impacts their physical environment. In the living room, cloud-like white mobiles symbolize the fresh start of building a life in a new home. Conversely, the primary bedroom is filled with brightly colored mobiles suspended from the ceiling. These represent the excitement that comes with moving into a new space and new phase of life while simultaneously building upon the past.

art installation of suspended colored disks in white room

Memory Functions, as well as the partnership between local family-run design and development firm The Brooklyn Home Company and Nishikawa, is the first of a series of residencies that will be held in its built environments. It’s being done in support of their commitment to art, craft, and commitment to sustainability. The exhibition will be open to the public on May 10th and 11th during NYCxDESIGN’s Festival.

art installation of suspended colored disks in white room

artist with art installation of suspended colored disks in white room

artist with art installation of suspended colored disks in white room

art installation of suspended white disks in white room

art installation of suspended white disks in white room

art installation of suspended white disks in white room

artist with art installation of suspended white disks in white room

To learn more about Memory Functions, visit yukonishikawa.com. The exhibition is open to the public during NYCxDESIGN, May 10-11, at The Butler Collection by The Brooklyn Home Company at 137 4th Avenue in Brooklyn.

Photos by Matthew Williams.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.