NISSAN × KENGO KITO: A Fusion of Art and Automotive Design

2017 Calendar: A Year of Artistic Innovation and Technological Brilliance

The collaboration between Nissan and modern artist Kengo Kito for the 2017 calendar is a unique endeavor. Each year, Nissan collaborates with an up-and-coming artist for their calendar, and Kito was the chosen artist for 2017. The challenge was to create artwork that showcased the vehicles' characteristics using Kito's method. Drawing inspiration from the vehicles designated for each month, Kito created 14 distinct artworks using everyday objects.

The realization of this design involved a blend of traditional artistry and modern technology. For instance, the front page features a 13m x 12m cloth stitched together from 650 different scarfs to create the figures of tents or mountains. Other months incorporated LED fluorescent lights, beach umbrellas, and color acrylic boards, all manipulated to create stunning visual effects. These handmade artworks were then brought into a shooting studio, where 3DCG was used to generate car images and reproduce the shininess and high quality of the cars.

The calendar, measuring 345mm in width and 480mm in height, starts from December of the previous year and ends in December of the current year, featuring a total of 14 visuals. The paper used for the calendar is approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), made from thinned wood, reflecting Nissan's commitment to sustainability.

The calendar serves as a powerful branding item for Nissan, as it is used as a greeting gift for clients at the end of the year and is also delivered by salesmen to Nissan car owners. This means that the calendar, and by extension, the brand, is visible to customers practically 365 days a year.

Creating these artworks was a challenge, as it required detailed discussions with Kito. However, the team's strong will to create an exciting project that had never been seen before was a driving force behind the project. The result was a series of marvelous artworks that perfectly corresponded to Nissan cars, showcasing Kito's sensibility and Nissan's innovative spirit.

The NISSAN × KENGO KITO 2017 calendar was awarded Silver in A' Advertising, Marketing and Communication Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. This recognition is a testament to the successful fusion of art and automotive design in this project.