The month of May in the small Tiger store, right at the entrance of the Naples Central Station, is crazier than usual and I came to this conclusion after a couple of quick trips with little purchases.
If the Danish queen, greets people with a buttery biscuit; Tiger counters welcome tourists and I with a real shower of things painted in cheerful tones and in line with a seasonal theme I could call “pic nic with ice cream” or “I scream for ice cream”: from napkins and disposable cups, passing through strictly ice cream cone-shaped gadgets and cooking utensils such as timers, salt and pepper shakers, erasers, plushes etc .., all decorated with the right dose of colourful sugar sprinkles.
Tiger Napoli welcomes you with a smile and takes visitors to step into a new universe foretold by the window posters and, previously, thru its social channels; moreover this crazy chain of heterogeneous objects often collaborates with artists, musicians and designers around the globe.
The purpose of the Danish company is to bring the public closer to Art and arts, thanks to the creation of collections and limited edition items.
This month, the artist working with Tiger is Misaki Kawai, a new discovery to me.
She comes from Japan; it’s hard to guess her age as she has a child face; she has already exhibited her works at the MoMA in New York and uses all artistic media she catches (painting, sculpture, audio-video media), as well as all materials passing between her hands.
She says she has been creating art since she was a “little banana” and her collection for Tiger wants to make youngs and adults playing together in a colourful and welcoming space, developing their creativity and stimulating their capabilities and senses.
In my opinion, describing Misaki Kawai’s creations isn’t impossible, but hard: the only traits d’union appear to be the bright colours involved there and the concepts of “play” and “game”, but I wouldn’t personally and unlikely imagine myself hugging a buxom girl-shaped pillow or show off in the city a bag decorated with such Junoesque breasts.
Her collection ranges and expands throughout the house: the kitchen with fox-shaped or decorated aprons and potholders; the playroom, with wooden toys and board games, or the gym with yoga mats, once again with breasts, or jump rope with pencils.No, it’s not that cool, Miss Kawai: I would never pay €30 for that famous yoga mat; I could save your banana pillow, for sure your galactic and eco tote and wearing your oven mitt.
From the April range, I found, displayed immediately after the DIY and stationery counters and wall panels, the gardening line with everything people need to make grow a little plant, take care of the garden and start a unique balcony green corner in company of Mr Pea.
Indeed pea pods and shades of green stood out last month in this tiny shop and all Tiger stores.
It seems that, for Tiger, May is the perfect moment to stay with friends by playing or enjoying the outdoors and is, concretely and “artistically”, a month of contrasting colours: the pastel, soft and lively palette from the “ice cream theme”; the “raw” and jarring primary colours of Misato Kawai and the delicate but “dusty”, slightly off, shades of the April garden.
Even when I have little time, almost attracted by a giant magnet, I love popping at Tiger and discovering small, great things available; thus I often buy something useful at very low prices: by searching closely, one can find real treasures and unique items for their kind and design.
Even when I have little time, almost attracted by a giant magnet, I love popping at Tiger and discovering small, great things available; thus I often buy something useful at very low prices: by searching closely, one can find real treasures and unique items for their kind and design.
Despite my inclination, I admit to wait for the next month with impatience, because I sincerely hope to see more exciting news …
Valentina Chirico aka Valens
