KeMCo Hosts Workshop: "KeMCo x Design | Thinking about Merchandise through Negative Space"

February 8, 2022

On Monday, February 7, Keio Museum Commons (KeMCo), Keio University's university museum, held the first of a two-part workshop for students titled "KeMCo x Design | Thinking about Merchandise through Negative Space."

With designer Kakufu Kawamura (ten pieces), who created the "KeMCo Font" for the logo and interior signage, as the instructor, eight students from various faculties and graduate schools gathered for the event.

Based on the concept of creating museum merchandise for KeMCo, participants first observed the designs of various museum goods they had brought. They then worked on developing their own ideas about KeMCo's characteristics and image and incorporating them into merchandise designs. KeMCo's student staff (KeMCoM and KeMiCo) also joined the approximately 1.5-hour session, freely exchanging ideas and receiving advice from the instructor.

In the next session, the two-part workshop will conclude with teams and individuals presenting the ideas they have developed so far and then working to give them physical form.

KeMCo held four special exhibitions during the 2021 academic year, and its student staff also exhibit and share the results of their activities.

"KeMCoM" is based at "KeMCo StudI/O" on the 8th floor of the East Annex Building on Mita Campus, where members engage with the museum's daily exhibition and collection activities. They create initiatives that allow people to experience the relationship between the digital and the physical, as well as new museum viewing experiences (3D Virtual Exhibitions) that allow people from overseas or those unable to visit in person to experience KeMCo in a virtual space. Additionally, "KeMiCo," which consists of students aspiring to become curators, utilizes social media content such as note articles and IGTV to introduce exhibited works and cultural properties and to clearly communicate the various, often unseen, aspects of museum activities.

At KeMCo, students from across faculties and graduate schools come together to share their respective interests, knowledge, and experiences. They are engaged in activities that explore new possibilities for culture, art, and craftsmanship from a unique student perspective.