Lexus 2016. Tradition and innovation for a sustainable future

On the occasion of the Salone del Mobile in Milan 2016, Artes Group International participated in the creation of the project curated by Formafantasma in the presentation of the Lexus brand, one synonymous with excellence in the luxury automotive sector.

Anticipation (the name of the project) was the starting point for reflection on the theme of a sustainable future, interpreted through the careful selection of the characteristic elements of the brand products: ecological technologies in mobility, and the combination of cars, craftsmanship and tradition.

Taking inspiration from the concept of the flagship Lexus LF – FC, Artes Group International has created three site-specific installations for Formafantasma which fit harmoniously into the exhibition location: a former factory which produced metals.

The result is two spaces that host installations in which contemporary finishes, such as car paint, cast resin and stainless steel, marry Japanese tradition with older, more natural materials such as cotton fabric and pine wood. The soft light of several lightboxes is a clear reference to Japanese culture that caresses the environments in a sophisticated way.

In the first and largest space, LF – FC-like hydrogen fuel cells power a kinetic light installation with advanced technology. Four stainless steel pieces 2 to 6 meters high move slowly on a highly reflective pink platform in a refined choreography, whilst tanks located underneath provide the hydrogen used by the ‘hydrogen fuel cell stacks’ to produce electricity to turn on the kinetic lights. 

For the second space, which hosts the annual Lexus Design Award, Formafantasma and Artes Group International conceived and created a series of metal stools treated with a sophisticated method of cangiante applied to LF – FC and based on the hand- and machine-layering of colours in the traditional Japanese lacquering technique.

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