Intercultural Design

INTERCULTURAL DESIGN

06.01.2020 - 20.02.2020 (Week 1 - Week 7)

Maisarah bt Muhd Zamri (0335576)
Intercultural Design

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06.01.2020 - 23.01.2020 (Week 1 - Week 3)
Proposal

MYTHOLOGY - Raijin and Fujin

Problem statement: Japanese people worship the weather gods, Raijin and Fujin out of fear. 
Japanese history is filled with devastating typhoons and storms. As a result, Raijin and Fujin are both feared and at the same time respected for their power over nature.
Raijin and Fujin statues are found at the gates of Japanese shrines and temples as protectors. Visitors must pass by the intimidating gaze of the gods before entering.

Fig 1.1 (Artwork of Raijin and Fujin)

Based on our findings, Raijin and Fujin are two Japanese gods of weather - Raijin being the god of thunder and lightning, and Fujin being the god of wind. These two gods came from the Shinto Religion and play an important role in nature. Even though often depicted with fierce oni-like appearance, they are two of the most respected and well-known deities in Japan. Disastrous weathers are often blamed on these mischievous gods, so Japanese people sought to pray to them to stop destroying their home/village/town. They are also the protectors of Japan as they were created by Izanami and Izanagi who created Japan. Statues of these two gods can be found at the gates of most shrines and temples as guardians. Japanese pray to these gods to protect the shrines and temples from bad weather. Being quite well known in Japanese culture, it is safe to say that Raijin and Fujin continue to influence modern society as seen in modern pop culture, fine arts, fashion, architecture, and many more to remind the future generations of their existence and the impact they have caused. Though in today’s modern society, do the younger generations still pray to these gods? Or do they just see them as another myth worthy of branding and aesthetic purposes with no deep meaning into it?

Fig 1.2 (Proposal_PDF file)

And off we go to Japan

Fig 2.1 (Chibi Raijin Fujin on either side of Kaminarimon - Magnet)

Fig 2.2 (Traditional Raijin Fujin above Kaminarimon - Magnet)

Fig 2.3 (Raijin's drum with Tomoe symbol - Ear pick)

Fig 2.4 (Traditional Raijin Fujin - Phonecase sticker)

Fig 2.5 (Traditional Raijin Fujin - Phonecase sticker)

Fig 2.6 (Traditional Raijin Fujin - Printed on a tie)

Fig 2.7 (Traditional Raijin Fujin - Printed on glasses)

Fig 2.8 (Daily sketch 1)

Fig 2.9 (Tokyo City View & Asakusa Station stamps)

Fig 2.10 (Daily sketch 2)

Fig 2.11 (Daily sketch 3)

Fig 2.12 (Daily sketch 4)

Fig 3.1 (Data collection - PDF file)

Fig 4.1 (Initial ideas 1 - artwork)

Fig 4.2 (Initial ideas 2 - charm)

Fig 4.3 (Initial ideas 3 - charm)

Fig 4.4 (Initial ideas 4 - charm)

Fig 4.5 (Charm idea)

Fig 4.6 (Installment idea 1)

Fig 4.7 (Installment idea 2)

Fig 4.8 (Installment idea process)

Fig 4.9 (Plastic burning to achieve wavy effect on the piece)

Fig 4.10 (Two pieces of wavy burnt plastic intersected in the middle)

Fig 4.11 (Process of one of the installment ideas in Fig 4.6)

Fig 4.12 (Trophy idea)

Fig 4.13 (Trophy idea - more defined sketch)

Fig 4.14 (Parts cutting process)

Fig 4.15 (Composition trial)

Fig 4.16 (Spray painting parts)

Fig 4.17 (Final product)

Fig 4.18 (Final product from different angles)

Fig 4.19 (Engraving on final product - translates to "Raijin Fujin")

This artefact is in the form of a trophy to honour the gods. Organic shapes on the left as Fujin’s wind. Rigid shapes on the right as Raijin’s lightning. Wood is used as the core, representing nature and Japan’s infrastructures. The hole in the centre is surrounded by the shapes to represent protection. Anything within the circular frame is believed to be protected. 

Fig 5.1 (Progress of Final Product - PDF File)

Fig 5.2 (Compilation of All Stages of this Assignment - PDF File)