Chindōgu Nails, book,
2024
screenprinted, riso printed, 21x14cm
The Japanese word ‘Chindōgu’ literally means ‘strange device’ and describes bizarre inventions that fulfil a practical purpose but are very awkward to use. In the 1990s, Kenji Kawakami established the production and staging of ‘Chindōgus’ as an art form in Japan. The idea was to use these objects to ironically hold up a mirror to consumer society and its obsession with optimisation.
My book ‘Chindōgu Nails’ is a gel nails catalogue that contains 5 different sets (Cutlery, Beauty, Craft, Office and Outdoor). The nails are each shown in their application and on the back in detail with different designs. I based the shape of the book on nail fans, which are often found in nail salons.
The book was presented in the group exhibition ‘Shin-Chindōgu’, which was on show at the Design Festa Gallery in Tokyo from 25-27 November 2024.
Photo (1) by Aaron Adu-Appeagyei and Jule Wertheimer
screenprinted, riso printed, 21x14cm
The Japanese word ‘Chindōgu’ literally means ‘strange device’ and describes bizarre inventions that fulfil a practical purpose but are very awkward to use. In the 1990s, Kenji Kawakami established the production and staging of ‘Chindōgus’ as an art form in Japan. The idea was to use these objects to ironically hold up a mirror to consumer society and its obsession with optimisation.
My book ‘Chindōgu Nails’ is a gel nails catalogue that contains 5 different sets (Cutlery, Beauty, Craft, Office and Outdoor). The nails are each shown in their application and on the back in detail with different designs. I based the shape of the book on nail fans, which are often found in nail salons.
The book was presented in the group exhibition ‘Shin-Chindōgu’, which was on show at the Design Festa Gallery in Tokyo from 25-27 November 2024.
Photo (1) by Aaron Adu-Appeagyei and Jule Wertheimer
