#USA #Miami #Lexus #Crafting Plastics #Liminal Cycles

Lexus Unveils Liminal Cycles: A Fusion of Art and Technological Innovation

On December 5, 2024, Lexus revealed a groundbreaking installation titled Liminal Cycles at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami, a joint effort with the Bratislava-based design studio Crafting Plastics. This exhibition represents a pivotal exploration of cutting-edge materials and responsive technology, at the heart of Lexus' commitment to luxury design and environmental sustainability.

A Multisensory Experience

Liminal Cycles transcends conventional artistic expression, offering a fully immersive experience for attendees. The installation is designed to engage visitors' senses while prompting them to reflect on the values of materiality, innovation, and sustainability—principles deeply embedded in the Lexus brand. Inspired by the futuristic electric vehicle prototype Lexus LF-ZC, the installation highlights Lexus' vision of a sustainable future through art and innovation.

In tandem with the installation, Lexus introduced a limited-edition capsule collection featuring 26 collectible design pieces crafted by renowned designers, including Germane Barnes, Michael Bennett (Studio Kër), Suchi Reddy, and Tara Sakhi (T SAKHI). Each of these items encapsulates the essence of the Liminal Cycles exhibition, serving as tangible representations of Lexus' core values.

The Central Sculpture

The centerpiece of Liminal Cycles is a dynamic sculpture resembling the controversial LF-ZC vehicle, constructed from 3D-printed bioplastic known as Nuatan®. This eco-friendly material is sourced entirely from renewable resources, showcasing the potential of biodegradable materials in the automotive design sector. The sculpture is not just a static art piece; it reacts to environmental stimuli, changing colors and shapes in response to UV light exposure and viewer interaction, effectively mimicking the natural rhythms of breathing.

Such artistic functionality integrates seamlessly with Lexus’ vision for software-defined vehicles, where customization and user interaction are paramount. By inviting the public into this discourse on sustainable luxury, Lexus challenges conventional metrics of luxury while leading the charge towards eco-conscious design.

Satellite Installations

In addition to the main sculpture, three satellite installations complement the central piece, each designed to evoke sensory responses through sound, visuals, and aromas. For instance, one sculpture takes inspiration from the LF-ZC steering wheel, offering an engaging tactile experience that influences soundscapes based on touch. Another mirrors the shape of the LF-ZC's headrest, releasing a signature Lexus fragrance upon interaction, further enhancing the immersive experience.

The final satellite, a wind-activated sculpture, highlights sensitivity to UV changes by revealing the Lexus logo subtly through its bioplastic structure. These installations collectively illustrate the myriad possibilities embedded in material innovation and responsive design.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Crafting Plastics, founded by Vlasta Kubušová and Miroslav Král, champions the use of sustainable materials across various design disciplines. Their collaboration with Lexus epitomizes a shared dedication to challenging traditional design paradigms through eco-innovation. Kubušová expressed optimism, stating, “This installation provides a unique opportunity to explore an ambitious creative project demonstrating the vast capabilities of biomaterials with minimal compromise.”

Capsule Collection: Lexus in Design

Accompanying the exhibition is the Lexus in Design capsule collection, featuring collectible objects that echo the themes of the installation. Each designer has curated unique items that align with Lexus' ethical considerations around customization, sustainability, and the integration of technology in luxurious experiences. For instance, decorative pieces made with amber glass and biodegradable plastics capture the essence of nature blended with advanced design.

A custom fragrance by dilo, curated specifically for the collection, evokes elements of nature and renewal through a sophisticated blend of scents, making it available in both candle and diffuser formats.

Cultural Engagement and Future Vision

Lexus’ collaboration with ICA Miami is set to stimulate important discussions on sustainability and design and represents a continuous commitment to cultural engagement through events such as panel discussions and debates held at the garden sculpture venue. This year marks the third collaborative endeavor between Lexus and ICA Miami and the brand's ninth year participating in the Miami Art and Design Week.

As Lexus paves the way for a future where luxury intertwines with ecological responsibility, Liminal Cycles stands as a beacon of inspiration, inviting visitors to reconsider the role of materials and innovation in their everyday lives.