Tokyo Art & Science Research Residency 2024
Research Summary
The research entails collecting biological specimens—plants and microorganisms—from Tokyo’s most dense urban zones. Through microscopic examination, we’ll extract patterns and shapes. These will serve as the foundation for complex visual compositions using Nordic patterns from the 18 & 19th century. Subsequently, we’ll photograph these compositions amidst Finnish natural landscapes. Through this juxtaposition, we aim to underscore the connection both Finnish and Japanese cultures have with nature.
Introduction
Among the many similarities between Japanese culture and Finnish culture, one stands out: their profound connection with nature, manifested through iconic patterns and visual elements. These motifs, elegantly stylized and instantly recognizable, have been ingrained for centuries in textiles, décor, and art in both cultures. My work, focused for several years on graphically artistic visual representations, pays tribute to ancient techniques such as quilting.
In this research proposal, the aim is to biologically observe the patterns and forms found in Japanese plants and microorganisms, with the intention of visually replicating them in connection with traditional quilting techniques that have been prominent in Nordic countries through the ages. Subsequently, a cultural analysis will be conducted to contextualize these elements within the artistic legacies and aesthetic values specific to Japanese and Finnish cultures.
Objectives
- Collect biological specimens from Tokyo’s dense urban zones.
- Utilize microscopic examination to extract patterns and shapes from the specimens.
- Integrate Nordic patterns from the 18th and 19th centuries into complex visual compositions.
- Photograph the compositions amidst Finnish natural landscapes.
- Highlight the cultural respect for nature shared by Finnish and Japanese societies.
Methodology
- Specimen Collection
Identify and collect diverse biological specimens from Tokyo’s most densely populated urban areas. - Microscopic Examination
Use advanced microscopy techniques to analyze and extract intricate patterns and shapes from the collected specimens. - Composition Development
Integrate Nordic patterns from the 18th and 19th centuries into the extracted patterns to create visually complex compositions. - Photography
Photograph the compositions amidst serene Finnish natural landscapes to emphasize the connection between urban biodiversity and natural beauty. - Cultural Analysis
Explain the compositions and their cultural significance, highlighting the shared respect for nature in Finnish and Japanese cultures.
Nordic designs
Floral and nature motifs have been (and often still are) omnipresent in the daily lives of Finns, such as this sewing box from the 1940s that my wife inherited from her grandmother, who hailed from Karelia. These motifs have been extensively studied due to their significance in various cultural contexts and the techniques used on different mediums where they appeared, particularly during times of great migrations. These migrations carried with them the graphical elements of their own culture.
https://www.nordiccrafter.com/
https://ttu-ir.tdl.org/bitstreams/c92e4974-1490-41ec-8a47-a48ae8708ef6/download
Expected outcomes
- A collection of biological specimens from Tokyo’s urban areas.
- Extracted patterns and shapes from microscopic examination.
- To obtain 8 to 12 visual compositions combining urban biodiversity with Nordic patterns.
- Photographs showcasing the compositions in Finnish natural landscapes.
- Insights into the cultural respect for nature in Finnish and Japanese societies.
Timeline
- Specimen Collection and Microscopic Examination: 1 week
- Composition Development: 2 to 3 weeks
- Photography in Finnish Landscapes: between Winter and Summer 2025
- Cultural Analysis and Reporting: 2 months
Budget
The budget required primarily covers accommodation and transportation. Considering access to a BSL1 equipped with microscopes and a printer, the remaining necessary research materials are already in my possession
Conclusion
This research aims to explore how urban biodiversity intersects with both Nordic and Japanese cultures, through visual compositions. By diving into the patterns found in nature, then used in traditional art forms like quilting, we hope to uncover insights into how these cultures perceive and interact with their environments. This isn’t just about biology and art—it’s about understanding cultural attitudes toward nature and the value of exploring these connections across different societies. Through this exploration, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the ways in which diverse cultures express their relationship with the natural world.
Biography
David Crunelle (B. 1979)
I am a multi-disciplinary artist specializing in visual arts, primarily recognized for advanced collage techniques utilizing reflective materials, lenticulars, holograms and epoxy. I have held numerous solo and group exhibitions in the US and across Europe. I am currently represented by Zedes Art Gallery (Brussels) for Europe, Tricera Art (Japan), and Mirus Gallery (Denver) for the USA.
For the past 15 years, I have worked as Art Director for communications agencies and have been a lecturer in visual communication in higher education. I am an active member of the Turun Taiteilijaseura, as well as ARTE (Titanik Turku), and Grafia (Association of Visual Communication Designers in Finland). I live and work in Turku, Finland.
Additional information
For over 15 years, I have been actively engaged with the scientific community within the medical field, collaborating closely on visual communication materials for awareness projects. Additionally, I have traveled extensively to Japan in recent years and continue to observe daily the similarities between Japanese and Finnish cultures.
Recent works
All works presented here : cardboard, stock, holograms, holofoil, paper, acrylic, varnish, epoxy, found nature.
