Material Lighting — Works from the Hashimoto Laboratory
May 10, 2025 – July 5, 2025
In the natural world, the changing wavelengths of light during the rise and set of the sun, as well as the variations in brightness between day and night, create a diverse array of landscapes. Phenomena such as sunlight filtering through trees or vibrant sunsets are especially captivating, as they evolve over time. At the Hashimoto Laboratory of Niigata University, we have been working to express these phenomena through engineering-based control technologies, transforming them into tangible works of art.
Over time, the materials used for light sources in our living spaces have also undergone significant changes. In the field of education, the proliferation of personal computers, the development of LED technologies, and the availability of affordable microcontrollers, such as Arduino, widely used in programming education, have played key roles in shaping new possibilities for creative expression.
As we explore the potential of merging engineering technologies with artistic expression, our goal is to bring time-based light expressions into real-world applications. Together with our students, we have been considering design and control methods, integrating interactive elements, and reflecting on the relationship between the viewer and the artwork.
This exhibition features installations using light sources controlled by microcontrollers, which change over time, as well as products that explore the theme of light and shadow.
HASHIMOTO Manabu
Professor, Niigata University, Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences. Affiliated with the faculty of Engineering and the faculty of Education.
Research focuses on the integration of functionality and aesthetics, art and design engineering, and commercial design.
Engaged in community-based art projects, including creative workshops for local children and spatial artworks using engineering technologies that change over time. Major exhibitions include Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, Water and Land Niigata Art Festival, Kitakata Yume Art Project, and Art Crossing Niigata. Design work includes school emblems, corporate logos, and sake packaging. These design concepts are actively incorporated into both classroom and extracurricular activities.
Overview
Period
May 10, 2025 – July 5, 2025
Venue
Niigata University Asahimachi Museum
(2-746 Asahimachi-dori, Chuou-ku, Niigata 951-8122)
Opening Hours
10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 – 4:30 pm
* Closed at 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Closed
Sundays and Mondays
Credit
Organized by : Niigata University Asahimachi Museum
Related Events
Gallery talk by the artists
The artists of the exhibited works will give commentary on their works.
Date and Time
May 10, May 24, June 7, and June 21, 2025, each day 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Venue
Niigata University Asahimachi Museum
(2-746 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8122)
Speakers
HASHIMOTO Manabu (Professor, Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, Niigata University) and others
How to Participate
No registration required. Please come directly to the venue.
Participation Fee
Free