RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT

We are proud to announce the Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur have successfully organised the inaugural “Furoshiki Design Contest” open to all arts and designs students in Malaysia aged 18 and above. Out of the overwhelming 136 submissions received, and after a long discussion, the judges have agreed and selected 3 winners for this contest. Congratulations to the winners and participants for their wonderful submissions and unique interpretation of the theme “Malaysia+Japan”. Read the judges’ comments on the three winning designs as well!

Here are the winning designs!

  JUDGES’ COMMENTS  

Dr. Debbie Gan Siew Siew:

A clever piece of artwork that ‘fuse’ The Wave pattern into the process of making “Teh Tarik”, both uniquely Japanese and Malaysian. Other cultural design elements has been incorporated in the Furoshiki so effortlessly. A unique and contemporary take on Furoshiki design.

Nik Faiz Nik Amin:

This is the best representation of “less is more” when the designer has successfully achieved the level of subtlety in her design, with a strong narration on both Malaysia and Japan.

Nini Marini:

Mun Ee’s  design is simple yet impactful and quite meaningful. The chosen images of Malaysia’s most loved drink, the ‘teh tarik’ is represented with the use of classic cream coloured cups often used by the tea puller in street stalls, This is then combined with the legendary ‘great wave’ (s) from Japan, emerging dynamically from the cups in harmony clearly states the two cultures without much explanation. The image is positioned in the centre of the fabric as a focal point  in a “toasing” action; a celebration of the two countries and the respect each has for each other. The use of the ketupat design element in the background stitched together with dotted lines inspired by shashiko, the traditional embroidery design unified by white in the background to represent unity and purity further enhances the story of the intended union of the two countries. Overall the design is youthful, free from the confines of trying to emulate the traditionally full designs of the furoshiki cloth which I thought was a nice way of making it contemporary.  I think it lends a great message to whoever gives or receives this furoshiki.

  JUDGES’ COMMENTS  

Dr. Debbie Gan Siew Siew:

A melange of cultural visual elements showcase in one colourful and attractive piece of Furoshiki!

Nik Faiz Nik Amin:

The design speaks harmoniously with a good colour composition, and the asymmetrical composition of the wau bulan expresses the furoshiki’s versatility.

Nini Marini:

Yoon Yin’s choice of the classic wau bulan (kite) in flight paired with the textile elements from Japanese ornaments on the surface may seem obvious however the detail and care to harmonise is to me what makes this design delightful. The wau is seen flying freely in the air, floating in “Japanese” air decorated with elements synonymous from the country. The colours chosen;  primary colours from Malaysia and the softer pastel shades of Japan is also a lovely complementary aspect. I can imagine that this furoshiki when wrapped, would look vibrant in any which way it is used further punctuating this story of harmony.  

  JUDGES’ COMMENTS  

Dr. Debbie Gan Siew Siew:

Cultural design elements well composed throughout the 4 seasons creating a balance piece of artwork which is truly Japanese-Malaysian.

Nik Faiz Nik Amin:

Although the composition might be of a normal Japanese pattern, this artwork contains an extremely interesting character of Malaysia translated into Japanese design language.

Nini Marini:

Muhammad Izzat shows  respect for the Japanese culture by acknowledging the changing of seasons. It is something that is not usual in tropical Malaysia. He merges Malaysia by using batik elements to tell his story. There is deep reflection and philosophy in his design that is expressed in the symbols used. It is all about the details which is also a nice way of showing respect to the nature of the Japanese as a whole. He has also paid homage to traditional Japanese design  through the use of colour (deep blue and pastels in) juxtaposed with precise lines and symbols. Just like Malaysian batik, the more you understand the symbols used and the meaning behind them, the more stories it will tell you which I thought was a wonderful subtle way of unifying culture through design.  

*All results are final and non-negotiable. The winners will be contacted by the organiser regarding the prizes.

The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur is proud to announce “Furoshiki Design Contest”!

  WHAT IS FUROSHIKI?  
Furoshiki is a square piece of fabric traditionally used in Japan to carry, store, or wrap objects. It is used to wrap items of various shapes and sizes ranging from boxes, bottles, music instruments, baskets to many others. It can also be used as a bag to transport items.

	Assistant Professor Dr. Debbie Gan Siew Siew Deputy Dean, First City University College Debbie has over 10 years of professional experience in Design Management focusing on design & brand strategy and higher education management based in UK and Malaysia. She believes the continual development of branding strategy can help strengthen and grow businesses through integrated marketing communication. Besides being an entrepreneur and educator, she is also active in the creative design community.
	Nik Faiz Nik Amin Founder and Creative Director of Gahara Architect-turned-artist Nik Faiz Nik Amin is a third-generation batik artisan from a family of batik makers based in Penambang, Kelantan Darul Naim. His globally-recognised homegrown artisan batik brand – Ruzzgahara aims to revive traditional batik production that embraces a more eco-friendly, ethical and sustainable approach. The brand has  been featured in various international publications including Vogue British and Tatler Magazine British.
	Nini Marini Artist & Creative Entrepreneur Nini Marini is a graduate of The Birmingham City University, in Visual Communications. She has spent 20 years in the media industry as a producer and then content Innovation head for a national media company whilst practicing art on the side. Today, Nini is a multi-artist & creative entrepreneur whose goal is to promote the arts and creative thinking.

  INQUIRY  
For inquiries, kindly write to furoshikicontest[at]jfkl.org.my, attention to Ms. Nurul Amira at amira[at]jfkl.org.my or call us at 03-2284 6228.