ABOUT
Mona Matsui
Artist/Designer based in Japan and London.
1992. Born in Tokyo, Japan
2015. B.A. in Textile Design, Tama Art University, Tokyo, Japan
2021. M.A. in Textiles, Royal College of Art, London, United Kingdom
2022. Textile Design Studio
Manifest
Textiles enhance natural phenomena, embody beautiful moments, and evoke memories.
Functioning as living entities, textiles exist in the space between space and place—an intersection of architecture, space, and humanity. They collaborate with natural elements, such as light, weather, and movement, enriching the beauty of an event within a space. Their flexibility contributes to the structural essence of buildings.
The impression textiles create in a space provides a sense of belonging for individuals, families, and communities, thereby positively influencing well-being. While architecture supports the physical environment through structure, textiles contribute to the perception of psychological safety by imparting a sense of softness through touch or sight. Textiles unveil the unseen beauty of moments like nostalgia and attachment, adding a touch of femininity to buildings. This, in turn, complements a more robust architectural atmosphere (masculinity), enhancing the spatial quality and presenting new vistas. Therefore, design should be sensory, subtle, and poetic, allowing room for imagination.
I infuse the context of the site, culture, and history into textile design, proposing a fresh sensation. By creating adaptable textiles for buildings, I aspire to contribute to social sustainability.
Biography
Mona Matsui was born in 1992 in Tokyo, Japan.
Her objective is to integrate the flowing movements produced by nature or everyday events into her textiles, with the aim of promoting well-being in urban society. She reflects narratives she has experienced or witnessed in her works, infusing emotion into the textiles to alter the atmosphere of space, surfaces, and air.
Matsui's creations bring sensuality to the often monotonous structures of our environment. Textiles, by making gravity and air visible and light apparent, offer a solution for establishing a primal connection between architecture, people, and space. She employs natural materials and collaborates with the Japanese textile industry, pushing the boundaries between traditional techniques and materials in a more contemporary way. Through casting textiles, she creates an immersive experience of space, suggesting a fresh sensation imbued with memories and experiences she has encountered.
Exhibition / Prize
Won in the Conceptual/Eco Design Products category at the European Product Design Award 2023 / Feb 2024
Selected 2022 year's Dwell 24 list of "The most exciting emerging designers" from Dwell magazine / Sep 2022
Royal College of Art ‘Textiles Happening’ / July 2021 - Show lead
Royal College of Art ‘Work in Progress Show’ / February 2021 - Show lead
Fashion Crossover London - Selected Global Young Talent Program - Participated in ‘Instagram Take Over’ - Interviewed / Advertised in Harper’ s Bazzar UK April Issue/ Jan 2021
RCA FACE MASK project collaborated with Backhausen /Apr 2020
Involved project called ‘Minna no Mask-Mask for everyone’ in Japan/ Mar 2020
Exhibition: SPEED FLAT in AXIS GALLERY, Roppongi / Dec 2017
Lexus Design Award / Feb 2018 - Short listed
Printed Textiles competition for Tenugui, Tokyo Japan - Special Recognition Award/ Oct 2017
Tama Art University / March 2015 - Selected Excellent Graduation Work
Exhibition: Japanese Weaving stole exhibition in CLASKA Gallery & Shop”DO”/ Feb 2013