‘Paper Clouds: Materiality in Empty Spaces’ is a Japanese poem to the surface textures, translucency, lightness and inner strength of Washi paper. Designed by SEKISUI HOUSE - KUMA LAB (The University of Tokyo) and curated by Clare Farrow, founder of Clare Farrow Studio, the project is an experiment in materiality, music and costume, a collaboration with violinist and composer Midori Komachi, and a meeting of Tokyo and London.

 Inspired by Suyari-Gasumi, a technique in old Japanese paintings and book illustrations in which empty space has its own materiality, like a mist, the project alludes to our own relationship to nature. It gives time to reflections.

This is also the KUMA LAB’s first experiment in costume design: a Washi prototype, recyclable dress for Komachi, to test the material’s flexibility and durability when the body moves. The dress is made by suspending layers for flexibility and mobility, inspired by traditional Japanese armour detail (Shikoro).

Exploring the potential of paper for use in architecture and fashion, it provides an educational and live performance opportunity for young musicians to study non-western techniques and showcase their talent. In addition, it offers three architecture students the chance to participate in an ancient Japanese construction method, using only thread.

Made from a new mix of plant-fibre and wood pulps, sprayed and moulded into cloud-form variations, the project’s filmed processes will lead to further studies.

Recorded in Goldsmiths with young, emerging musicians, Komachi’s composition – played through Mineral Sound’s new stone speakers – includes the actual sounds of Washi paper interacting with the body, inspired by the Japanese concept of Sawari (the distinct noise on Japanese instruments born from frictional gestures on surfaces). A workshop with London music students, using graphic scores and improvisation, will lead to solo performances in The Nelson Stair.