Since 2011, DesignTO has featured a wealth of talent through our annual festival. This Artist + Designer Spotlight series gives our audience the chance to learn more about the creatives showcasing their work in DesignTO’s thematic and prototype exhibitions, symposium and talks.

Name

Kenny Nguyen, Notoro

How would you describe your practice?

Notoro is an outlet to bring creative ideas to life. The intent is to design meaningful objects that fit into the narrative of their environments. Being based out of Toronto, the city has been a playground and constant influence for Notoro. Paying tribute to this great city, Notoro is an anagram of Toronto without the second T (the local way).

Which exhibition, symposium or talk will you be participating in and what is it about this project that peaked your interest?

I will be participating in the ‘Work/Life’ exhibition. The exhibition drew my attention because of the brief this year and how it challenges designers to think about the altered realities of 2020 and the way it has affected their environment.

What can attendees expect from the project you are showcasing at the 2021 DesignTO Festival? For those unable to visit your work, how would you describe it to them?

My hope is that attendees and virtual attendees can gain a sense of calmness from Lo Lamp. Lo Lamp is designed to emulate elements of peace and nature into its form for our pandemic altered home environments.

Have you been involved with DesignTO before?

I have been involved with DesignTO before. I was an employee at Guild Eyewear when we participated in DesignTO Mix, and I was working with COFO Design when they participated in this designers networking event too.

As an artist/designer working in Canada, what role do you feel DesignTO plays in the art and design industry?

As a Canadian designer, I believe DesignTO has done a great job of bringing the art and design community together. Every year I look forward to attending events with my fellow designers and catching up on what projects they have been working on. DesignTO has also allowed for young design students to see how talented our city really is and inspire them to strive to create better work.

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