Nendo creates pastel optical illusions for Japanese design exhibition display

The exhibition invites every participant to see this 'behind', 'inside', and 'before' in Japanese designs

Nendo has used different tones of pink and purple to create the illusion of 3D display stands at an exhibition on Japanese design that the studio curated in Singapore.

Japanese design studio Nendo selected the content and designed the setting for the exhibition, titled Hidden - Unveiling Japanese Design, at Singapore's National Design Centre.

In the centre's atrium, sections of the walls and floor were coloured with pastel shades in blocks, creating geometric patterns around the gallery. Podiums used to display the designs were also coloured on their tops and sides.

When viewed from a certain angle, the patterns align to trick the eye into thinking that there are more structures than actually present.

From this spot, the stands appear to be cuboid-shaped but in reality some are elongated and angled to create the effects.

A set of wooden stools appears to be placed at the top of a flight of stairs, while more illusionary steps seem to lead down into a pit where a tall podium is positioned.

At the back of the space, a two-tier stack of cubes looks like it continues into a pyramid form by using graphics on the wall.

The colour scheme is continued in other parts of the exhibition, where glass and metal mesh are also employed to create vitrines, shelves and partitions.

Nendo split the objects on show into three categories: "behind", "inside" and "before". These keywords are intended to represent the concepts behind the designs, which include furniture, homeware, products and graphics.

"This exhibition invites every participant to see this 'behind', 'inside', and 'before' in Japanese designs," said the studio.

"Then, they will see that these do not come from some grandiose structure or planning, but the designer's small considerations and twists."

Organised by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and the Design Singapore Council, Hidden - Unveiling Japanese Design continues until 23 October.