Tokolo Asao [CONNECT] Individual and Group. A Japanese architect’s geometric works at the Japan House London

An exhibition of works by Tokolo Asao - creator of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games emblem is currently held at Japan House London in Kensington, in the heart of the Capital of Great Britain, until 7th November 2021.

Tokolo Asao (b.1969) studied architecture from a young age and now works in the interdisciplinary fields of art, architecture, and design.   

A selection of his geometric patterns built on the concept of connection is based on simple geometry, and the patterns can be reproduced using a compass and a ruler.

He has a connection with London  having previously studied under Egashira Shin at the Architectural Association. 

Since September 11th, 2001, Tokolo has been producing patterns to the theme of ‘connecting’, according to Japan House London which commissioned this exhibition.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games brought Tokolo Asao to the world’s attention, when his graphic art Harmonised Chequered Emblem was chosen as the Olympic and Paralympic official emblems. 

Tokolo is an artist who is happy to share his work with anyone. He will explain project after project with intense curiosity and passion for what he is doing. 

So, if you ask, he will tell you that the emblem is made up of three specific rectangles that connect at every corner and can fill a circle perfectly. 

Although at first glance the simplicity and elegance is deceptive, further inspection reveals the complexity of the arrangements could have only been made possible as a result of intricately thought-out logic.

All images by Lucia Carpio for MyFashionConnectGlobal.