Paper Clouds: Materiality in Empty Space ft LMF Senior Scholars
Last week, London Music Fund’s Senior Scholars took a trip to Somerset House to take part in an exciting new music, fashion and design installation. Paper Clouds: Materiality in Empty Space is a poetic tribute to The Nelson Stair and the unique qualities of Washi paper (a traditional Japanese paper processed by hand using fibers from the inner bark of the gampi tree) - its texture, lightness, translucency, and hidden strength. Created by SEKISUI HOUSE – KUMA LAB (The University of Tokyo) and curated by Clare Farrow Studio, the project blends design, music, and fashion in collaboration with violinist and composer Midori Komachi, connecting cultures between Tokyo and London.
Komachi’s music, recorded at Goldsmiths University, featured the real sounds of Washi paper brushing against the body, inspired by the Japanese idea of Sawari—the textured sound created by friction on instruments. On 21 June, our Senior Scholars took part in a workshop at Somerset House where they explored traditional Japanese music alongside learning about Midori’s process for creating the score for Paper Clouds. Following this, four Senior Scholars Elio (violin), Fennrin (guitar), Iris (flute) and Maria (flute) took part in live performance on 27 June within the installation at the Nelson Stair, alongside Midori. This exciting performance opportunity gave our Senior Scholars the chance to explore extended techniques using visual scores and improvisation.
(from left to right) Midori Komachi, Maria (flute), Clare Farrow (Curator), Kate Kelly (Senior Programmes Manager), Elio (violin)
As part of the project, KUMA LAB has designed its first costume: a recyclable Washi paper dress for Komachi (seen above). The dress tests how the material moves with the body, using layered construction inspired by traditional Japanese armor (Shikoro) and is paired with Mikimoto pearls.
At the same time, young London designers are invited to take part in traditional Japanese building methods using golden kimono thread and Sekimori-Ishi stones. The paper, made from a new blend of plant and wood fibers, is sprayed and shaped into cloud-like forms.
Senior Scholar Maria performing next to the installation