At Design Miami 2008, one doesn't just get to communicate about the semantics of A+D but also witness the obligatory smatterings of works by renowned designers. Tokyo based Clear Gallery will exhibit select works from the legendary Japanese designer Shiro Kuramata, whose works are beyond the ephemeral trends in the constantly changing design continuum.

Illuminated Revolving Cabinet. Designed by Shiro Kuramata. Exhibited via Clear Gallery.

Shiro Kuramata's creations have always been provocative studies on the emerging dynamism in postwar Japan, yet also reflect his fascination towards western aesthetics. Kuramata, who has been hailed as one of the most influential designers in postwar Japan, was famous for his proclivity towards materials like wire steel mesh and Lucite. The designer is also best known for creating the iconic How High the Moon two-seater and the Miss Blanche chair.

At Design Miami, the Clear Gallery will showcase the following works by Kuramata; the Illuminated Revolving Cabinet (1973), the Plastic Wardrobe (1968) and the Luminous Table (1969).  All three reveal a beguiling dissonance, which is neither wholly Japanese nor wholly western. Straddling diverse design trends and evading identification, this cultural ambiguity has always worked in the designer's favor and made him one of the most famous designers of the 20th century.

The diaphanous Luminous Table and the Illuminated Revolving Cabinet highlights Kuramata's penchant for minimalist elements and de-materialized designs. Offering a multi-sensory experience, his works offer cultural experimentation without any ornamentation. The exhibited pieces also emanate an airy transparency thanks to them being subtly lit, which is emblematic to Kuramata designs as the tinctures of say neon would be absolute anathema! Hence, it comes as no surprise that when once asked might be the most essential thing in life, he replied, “The sun!"