Robin Boyd’s Walsh Street house in Melbourne has unveiled an insightful new exhibition When Robin Boyd Went to Japan. Opened on 18 February and running until 10 March, this exhibition sees a collaboration between the Robin Boyd Foundation, NMBW Architecture Studio and CIBI. Curated by Marika Neustupny and Nigel Bertram, the show aims to shed light on the influence of mid-century Japanese life and architecture on Boyd.
The exhibition emerges against the backdrop of the 1960s, a transformative period in Japanese architecture, characterised by a blend of traditional aesthetics and rapid modernisation. During his visits to Japan in this era, Boyd immersed himself in the evolving architectural landscape, ultimately reflecting these influences into his works. He penned his observations on Japanese architects and notably served as the exhibition architect for the Australian Pavilion at the Osaka Expo ’70.
“By exploring physical models of selected Japanese architect-designed houses from the 1950s to 1970s are presented, as well as 1:1 adaptations of Walsh Street, including bringing Japanese designer items into the home and making a library space for displaying documents from Boyd’s travels – we can imagine the kinds of cultural interactions Boyd engaged in,” says curator Marika Neustupny.
The exhibition transcends visual representation, offering an immersive experience. Visitors can partake in cold brew sencha tea and senbei in Walsh Street’s courtyard, which evokes a Japanese garden’s serenity. The event schedule includes curator floor talks with Neustupny and Bertram, with a discussion titled “Japan through Boyd’s camera lens” by Professor Philip Goad, and a session on “Green tea with Robin Boyd and Japanese Metabolism.”
Additional exhibition features include a “Slow Day at Walsh Street with CIBI” and an Indigo Dyeing Demonstration by the Australian Tapestry Workshop, integrating Boyd’s architectural narrative with broader cultural themes.
Support for the exhibition comes from several organisations, highlighting its significance in the architectural and cultural sectors. These include the Robin Boyd Foundation, NMBW Architecture Studio, CIBI, MPavilion, MADA, Monash University, Australian Tapestry Workshop, RMIT Design Archives, State Library of Victoria, Mainroad Marketing, Konpira Maru Wines, Four Pillars Gin and Molly Rose Brewing.
Robin Boyd Foundation
robinboyd.org.au