Details ↓What it is · Pochikichi's story · getting there

Good to know

A graphic design exhibition featuring Rotterdam-based studios Studio Spass and Team Thursday.

Dates

Nov 4 (Wed) – Jan 13 (Wed)

Hours

Tuesday–Friday 11:00 AM–7:00 PM; Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays 11:00 AM–6:00 PM

Venue

Kyoto ddd Gallery

Nearest station

Shijo

Admission

Free admission

About this event

What happens when graphic design moves beyond the printed page and into physical space? Superplay combines the ideas of Super Graphic and Play. The exhibition introduces Studio Spass and Team Thursday, two graphic design studios based in the Dutch port city of Rotterdam. Their work moves between typography, visual identities, publications and spatial objects. Rotterdam itself was rebuilt after devastating bombing during World War II and is now home to major architectural practices such as OMA and MVRDV. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the relationship between experimental design and the city's architectural culture.

Highlights

• Spatial design and visual experiments by Studio Spass
• Typography and publications by Team Thursday
• Graphic design expanding into three-dimensional objects
• A November 7 talk with consecutive Japanese-English interpretation

Good for

For graphic designers, typography enthusiasts and lovers of contemporary architecture.

Good to know before you go

• The November 7 talk requires advance booking and is limited to 30 participants. Japanese-English interpretation is provided.
• The November 7 reception requires no reservation.
• No dedicated parking is available.

Pochikichi's story corner

Why does Rotterdam's graphic design move beyond paper?

This exhibition turns its attention to Rotterdam, one of the Netherlands' major cities and home to an internationally important trading port. Its distinctive architectural environment provides a revealing context for contemporary graphic design.

Rotterdam suffered devastating bombing during World War II and was subsequently rebuilt. Today, internationally known architecture practices including OMA and MVRDV are based there.

The work of Studio Spass and Team Thursday likewise extends beyond flat printed surfaces. Beginning with typography, the studios create publications, visual identities and spatial objects. The exhibition's organisers suggest that Rotterdam's architectural culture may help explain this approach.

The title Superplay combines the expansive possibilities of graphic design with a spirit of play. Look for the ways letters and graphic forms escape the page and become part of physical space.

Sources: DNP Foundation for Cultural Promotion — Official Exhibition Information (Japanese)

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FAQ

What is Kyoto ddd Gallery Exhibition No. 254: Superplay — Graphic Design from Rotterdam?

What happens when graphic design moves beyond the printed page and into physical space? Superplay combines the ideas of Super Graphic and Play. The exhibition introduces Studio Spass and Team Thursday, two graphic design studios based in the Dutch port city of Rotterdam. Their work moves between typography, visual identities, publications and spatial objects. Rotterdam itself was rebuilt after devastating bombing during World War II and is now home to major architectural practices such as OMA and MVRDV. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the relationship between experimental design and the city's architectural culture.

When is Kyoto ddd Gallery Exhibition No. 254: Superplay — Graphic Design from Rotterdam?

From Nov 4 (Wed) to Jan 13 (Wed), 2027.

What are the opening hours?

Tuesday–Friday 11:00 AM–7:00 PM; Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays 11:00 AM–6:00 PM

How much does it cost?

Free admission

Where is it and what is the nearest station?

Kyoto ddd Gallery. The nearest station is Shijo.

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