Young V&A To Launch New Creative Installation This Month

The Young V&A is preparing to launch its first creative installation, Lost and Found Yōkai.

The installation takes visitors on a journey through Kasa-obake Alley, which contains umbrellas lost on tubes, trains and buses. All of the umbrellas have been transformed by 22 contemporary artists and designers including Dame Zandra Rhodes and Nicole Chui. 

John Booth and Andrew Kenny. (Image: Sandra Ebert for Young V&A)

Each artist created an umbrella using their own unique style and practices. Set designer and paper artist, Lydia Kasumi Sherreff chose to create a colourful bird in a Japanese woodblock print style with patterned feathers – resulting in a vibrant ‘rainbow bird’.

Lydia Kasumi Shirreff in the studio. (Image: Sandra Ebert for Young V&A)

During a visit to the new installation, visitors will also get the opportunity to hear the supernatural sounds of Japan. An idea from sound artist and designer Yuri Suzuki.

Inspiration for the project has been drawn from Japanese folklore, literature, art and especially on the kasa-obake (umbrella monster).

AMV BBDO creatives Anzhela Hayrabedyan and Luca Grosso said: ‘We were looking for a playful idea that links two cultures – the tales from Japanese Folklore with the rainy streets of London. Abandoned umbrellas reimagined as yōkai seemed to be the perfect bridge, blending Japan’s storytelling with the wonderfully eclectic art scene of the UK.’

Paper artist Lydia Kasumi Shirreff’s yōkai sketch. (Image: Sandra Ebert for Young V&A)

On This May Half-Term

For the May half-term, the Young V&A will host various events and workshops for families. You can join a live weaving demonstration from artist Christabel Balfour, or get hands-on in a weaving activity with Sculptor Matt Shaw. 

Want to learn more about upcycling? Pop along to Young V&A’s Holly Zarnecki’s workshop.